JENSEN will return to Formula Regional Americas Championship (FRAC) competition at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) with a two-car entry for Robert Arana Jr and Aiden Zelaya.
Both drivers will make their FRAC debuts at the 2.25-mile New Jersey circuit after preparing through JENSEN’s driver development programme. They have also gained recent racing experience through Formula Pro USA Western Championship events on the West Coast.
The programme brings JENSEN back to a circuit that already holds significance for the team. The organisation claimed its first FRAC victory at NJMP in 2023 with Oliver Westling and will now look to build on that history with two newcomers to the championship.
Arana makes step into FRAC
Arana will drive the #2 DAV Panting and Drywall/Jensen Global Advisors/JENSEN Ligier JS F3 as he steps into Formula Regional competition.
His debut follows an intensive training programme with JENSEN, which has prepared him for the additional performance and technical demands of the Ligier JS F3. Furthermore, his Formula Pro USA Western Championship appearances have provided valuable race mileage before the move into FRAC.
New Jersey will consequently provide his first opportunity to measure that preparation against the established championship field. With three races available across the weekend, Arana can focus on developing his understanding of the car while also pursuing competitive results.
Zelaya joins two-car JENSEN line-up
Zelaya will make the same transition in the #1 Jensen Global Advisors/JENSEN Ligier JS F3.
Like Arana, he has completed JENSEN’s training programme and contested Formula Pro USA Western Championship events as part of his development. Therefore, both drivers arrive at NJMP with recent single-seater experience despite entering FRAC for the first time.
Running both cars during the same weekend should also benefit JENSEN as it returns to the championship. The team can compare feedback and data between the two newcomers while helping each driver adapt to the demands of Formula Regional machinery.
Formula Pro USA experience provides foundation
JENSEN has used its training programme and Formula Pro USA competition to prepare Arana and Zelaya for this next stage of their development.
The step into FRAC introduces both drivers to a more demanding environment, with greater performance from the Ligier JS F3 and a field containing experienced race winners and championship contenders.
However, their previous racing experience gives them a useful foundation. Instead of approaching New Jersey as their first competitive single-seater event, both drivers can build on lessons learned through their West Coast programmes.
The three-race format should also give them considerable opportunity to progress. Each session can provide additional data and experience as they refine their driving and understanding of the car.
NJMP carries positive history for JENSEN
New Jersey Motorsports Park represents an appropriate venue for JENSEN’s FRAC return.
The team secured its first championship victory at the circuit in 2023 with Westling behind the wheel, establishing NJMP as an important location in its Formula Regional history.
Three years later, JENSEN returns with a very different objective. Rather than fielding an established contender, the team will introduce two drivers to FRAC and help them take the next step in their respective careers.
Nevertheless, its previous success gives the organisation useful experience of the Thunderbolt Course and the challenges it presents.
JENSEN begins next chapter in FRAC
The New Jersey weekend marks both a championship return for JENSEN and the beginning of new Formula Regional programmes for Arana and Zelaya.
Both drivers have progressed through an intensive preparation process with the team and gained additional competition experience in Formula Pro USA. They will now put that work into practice against the FRAC field.
For JENSEN, the two-car entry also offers an opportunity to re-establish its presence in a championship where it has already enjoyed success.
With its first FRAC victory having come at New Jersey in 2023, the team returns to familiar territory as Arana and Zelaya begin the next stage of their development.
