News
Jackson Walls Aiming High in 2019
New South Welshman Jackson Walls has committed to a second season in the CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Championship, continuing his partnership with the Gold Coast based Patrizicorse team. Runner-up in last season’s Burson Auto Parts Rookie battle, Walls is eager to become one of the championship’s outright front-runners. With both driver and team making their respective debut in the category last year, the pairing are now well acquainted with their Mygale Formula 4 car and are now aiming high, expecting to be one of the pace setters heading into their second year.
“I’m super excited to team up with Patrizicorse again in 2019,” Walls said.
“I want to hunt down the championship, especially with the great competition we’ll have with the other drivers coming to Australian F4.”
After learning throughout the opening rounds of the 2018 season, both Walls and Patrizicorse quickly became ones to watch, showing some strong results during their debutant year.
“We made some breakthroughs last year with some race results, and we want to race up the front all season long,” Walls said.
Patrizicorse principal Michael Patrizi was thrilled to welcome Walls back for a second season, with the team enjoying continuity and a senior driver this season.
“Jackson certainly stood out as an impressive rookie driver last season, but this year Jackson can prove he’s a capable senior driver,” Patrizi said.
“We enjoyed some strong results in the back half of last year, and we’re all improving race-by-race as a team. I’m excited by what we’re capable of in this year’s Formula 4 championship.”
The teenager has kept race sharp over the summer break, with a stint in the Castrol Toyota Racing Series (TRS) in New Zealand. With only a season of Australian Formula 4 under his belt, after several years in karts, Walls impressed with his pace and driving style, often battling hard up the front of the field with those far more experienced than himself.
“TRS was definitely a wake-up call for me,” Walls said.
“Considering how quick they are at times, and there were some absolutely world class drivers. I do believe I showed my potential.
“It was an amazing experience, I learnt a lot and I believe I can convert that into this year’s Formula 4 championship.”
The opening round, at the Rolex Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2019, is of course a strong motivator for Walls to kick start his championship aspirations.
“Driving at the track where I’ve spectated, and watch my dad racing Australian GT, since I was seven will be pretty cool,” Walls said.
“Expectations will be pretty high being in front of the world stage with the amount of people that will be attending.”
Round One of the 2019 CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Championship will take place on 14–17 March, supporting the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019.
