WAU boss impressed by wildcard Ojeda

Jayden Ojeda has earned praise from Walkinshaw Andretti United's team boss after his solo Supercars debut.

Ojeda raced a wildcard WAU Commodore at last weekend’s Pizza Hut Winton SuperSprint.

Ojeda, who finished third in the 2021 Dunlop Series, was joined by fellow wildcard and former Super2 rival Jordan Boys.

The 22-year-old managed to secure passage to Q2 in ARMOR ALL Qualifying on Saturday.

Critically, Ojeda out-qualified full-time WAU teammate Nick Percat.

Later, Ojeda finished 17th in his maiden solo race, overtaking fellow Super2 graduate Jack Le Brocq in the process.

Sunday proved a tougher challenge for Ojeda, who was bumped off the track early in Race 14.

He recovered to 22nd by the flag, before settling for 21st in the finale.

Speaking on Supercars' Cool Down Lap podcast, WAU Team Principal Bruce Stewart gave a glowing endorsement of the Sydneysider.

"The story is really good because this is a young man from the western suburbs of Sydney," Stewart said.

"He has not had the easy pathway to get through.

"He has super impressed the team on and off the track, just the way he interacted, and engaged with his crew.

"He's an intelligent young operator and drove really maturely."

Ojeda will return to the seat of the #27 WAU Commodore at next month's Merlin Darwin Triple Crown.

It remains to be seen whether Ojeda will make a third Great Race start in October.

Regardless, Stewart liked what he saw, with Ojeda wiping away any previous labels of on-track hot-headedness.

"There were a couple of moments on Saturday, particularly with cars coming through that he could have lost the car off the track and, ended up at the back," Stewart explained.

"But I think some of the people who might have been a little bit abrupt about Jayden and some of his performances, i.e. that he has been one of those guys who is super quick but can be a little bit erratic, are off the mark.

"He has matured, and he's super impressed us.

"We are super excited about what he can do.

"In Darwin will have a better car for him because we will be working hard, we've had pace there last year.

"So, watch out for the 'Juice'."

Ojeda will be joined on the Darwin grid by fellow Tickford wildcard Zak Best.

The 2022 season will resume in Darwin next month. Purchase your tickets now.