Ojeda Claims Winton Lap Record in National Formula Ford

Talented Penrith racer Jayden Ojeda has emerged from the weekend’s fifth round of the Australian Formula Ford Series at Winton Motor Raceway with the race lap record for the hotly-contested open-wheel racing category.

Driving his VHT/Raceworks Spectrum Formula Ford, Ojeda qualified on pole position and despite an unfortunate collision leading to a non-finish in the weekend’s opening race, he bounced back with fourth and third-place finishes in Races 2 and 3 to secure fifth overall for the weekend, and it was in the final race where he set the fastest-ever time for a Formula Ford around Winton.

“Overall, it was a big learning curve this weekend, but great to show our speed,” Ojeda said.

“In Race 1, Leanne Tander beat me off the line but I stayed right on her tail and she ran wide at turn 3. I tried to pass her but Jordan Boys came down the inside of both of us and there just wasn’t room for three cars.

“We made contact and while I was able to drive back to the pits, the damage was too severe to continue racing.”

The Borland Racing Developments team worked overnight to repair Ojeda’s car, sparking a determined charge from the rear of the field in Race 2. Ojeda was thrilled with the race despite an off-track excursion at one stage.

“Mike and the team did a great job fixing the car, and I wanted to repay them for their efforts,” Ojeda said.

“It was a very entertaining race – I was three-wide with a couple of other cars into turn 1 at one point – then I went into the sweeper a bit too hot, but I managed to recover without losing any positions.”

Starting on the second row of the grid for Race 3, Ojeda overtook rivals Will Brown and Jordan Boys to move up to second behind Leanne Tander. A mid-race Safety Car bunched up the field and Ojeda applied the pressure to Tander before attempting a move on the last lap.

“Heading into the final lap, Leanne was defending into turn 1 and I tried to go around the outside,” Ojeda said.

“I almost pulled it off, but just clipped the kerb on the inside which slowed me down and allowed Jordan to pass me.”

“It was still really good to show so much speed and very satisfying to come away with the lap record.”

Ojeda will next be in action for the sixth and final round of the Australian Formula Ford Series at Phillip Island at the coveted Island Magic race meeting, 26-27 November.