Ardie Jonic’s debut in the 2018 CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Championship recently concluded, and while the speedway racer’s transition to road racing has had its fair share of ups and downs throughout the past year, it’s a challenge that he’s wholeheartedly welcomed.
Quickly learning that Formula 4 was a very different beast than speedway upon contesting his first appearance with the AGI Sports team back in June, having had no prior road racing experience, the 15-year-old racer steadily improved throughout the year, gaining more confidence each time he hit the track.
One of the biggest challenges that Jonic was forced to overcome was going from the significant success he continues to experience in Junior Sedans to being the new kid on the block, so to speak. However, it’s that challenge that has given him added drive to work harder and learn as much as he can in order to build on his consistency.
“I’ve really enjoyed my debut year in Formula 4 with the AGI Sports team and I’ve learned a lot, particularly when it comes to relaying data,” commented the current National Junior Sedan Champion, whose campaign was highlighted by racing at the world-renowned Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit where he enjoyed a competitive showing.
“You really can’t take a whole lot from speedway into Formula 4, so it’s been a challenging transition, but having such an experienced team around me has definitely helped me to improve.”
Ending up 11th overall in the 2018 CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Championship point standings this year, Jonic is looking forward to continuing his Formula 4 venture with the AGI Sports team next year.
“I can’t wait to get back in the Formula 4 with AGI Sports team next year with a bit more experience under my belt,” enthused the Ipswich, Queensland-based resident.
“This year was very much about learning how the car works on each of the tracks, so I’m hoping that I can put that to use in next year’s championship and hopefully run closer to the pointy end of the field.”
Following an incident with a cyclist back in February which caused him to have two titanium rods inserted in his leg to mend two broken bones, causing added difficulty during fast-paced corners throughout the year in Formula 4 competition, Jonic will once again be undergoing surgery later this week to have the rods removed.
Spending the next five weeks on the sidelines to recover, Jonic will then return to the driver’s seat of his Aus # 1 Daihatsu Charade, contesting the full 2018-19 season Junior Sedan calendar throughout Queensland, along with each of the major title events.
Jonic would like to give special thanks to his nan and pop (Surelle and Lubo) for their support and for making racing a possibility for him, along with the entire AGI Sports team.
To find out more about Jonic, LIKE him on Facebook by searching Ardie Jonic Racing Team #50.
