Roland Dane has revealed he was one of Jayden Ojeda’s biggest backers long before PremiAir Racing pushed for the young driver to be signed as a full-time Supercars driver back in 2023.
Speaking ahead of the Darwin Triple Crown, the PremiAir Racing team principal disclosed that he actively nominated Ojeda for a Supercars seat when he was serving as chairman of another team’s board.
“I’m surprised he wasn’t in Supercars already,” said Dane. “I put him forward as a replacement for a departing driver when I was on the board of 888.
“In the end, another driver was available and got the drive. But to me, Jayden should have been in Supercars already. I was surprised he wasn’t given his track record.”
That belief in Ojeda’s potential ultimately shaped the direction of PremiAir Racing’s 2026 line-up. When Dane took the reins at PremiAir, signing Ojeda was a priority.
The confidence has proven well-placed. Ojeda leads Supercars’ five-pronged rookie contingent in 2026 and has quickly established himself as a driver PremiAir can build around, including a career-best P3 qualifying result at the Tasmania Super440.
“Hopefully he continues on the trajectory he is on and proves me right,” added Dane.
“Somebody who is as good as Jayden, for sure, other people should be looking at him, but ultimately I hope he’ll stay with PremiAir. He certainly is committed for next year.”
That commitment to 2027 is a significant signal, and with the Darwin Triple Crown now underway, Ojeda has every opportunity to back up those words on track at Hidden Valley this weekend, alongside teammate Declan Fraser.
#FuelledbyAmbition.
Source: V8 Sleuth — Dane nominated Ojeda as van Gisbergen replacement