Brad Jones Racing Supercars endurance co-driver Jay Robotham is set to make a full-time switch to racing in Asia, with multiple programs planned for 2024 in the Thailand Super Series.
Driving for Corliss Race Engineering, Robotham will carry backing from Australian company Lanotec as he competes in the GTM Championship aboard a MARC Mustang, plus in the Super Pickup class in a new-model Ford Ranger.
For the GTM tilt, Robotham will line up alongside ex-pat Kiwi and team principal Craig Corliss, with the class combining an eclectic mix of vehicles, including GT3, GT4 and GTC, which encompasses vehicles such as Trans Am machinery.
The calendar for the season includes two events at both the Chang International Circuit and Sepang International Circuit, plus the legendary Bangsaen Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, the Super Pickup category pits leading manufacturers such as Ford, Isuzu, Chevrolet, and Mitsubishi against each other, with capacity fields ensuring a highly entertaining competition.
The Super Pickup calendar focuses on the Chang International Circuit and Bangsaen.
Robotham is no stranger to racing in Thailand or with the CRE organisation, with the pair successfully linking last season, while the 21-year-old has previously been victorious in the Asian TA2 series.
In addition to the race weekend duties in 2024, Robotham will support the Ford squad in a range of sponsorship commitments, as well as driver training, testing, product launches and more.
“I’m really excited to be moving over there; it’s going to be very different as it will be my first time living away from home,” said Robotham.
“The racing in the Thailand Super Series is fantastic; it’s very competitive and professional, with the series employing multiple Australian-based officials, so the racing is conducted at a high level.
“The Super Pickup will be very interesting, the Ranger is going to have the current generation Raptor body.
“It’s a big difference to the older car, we just need to work on the setup before the season starts, we’re going to be working hard to make the cars quick, and hopefully, we will be at the front.
“Racing the MARC Mustang with Craig, on the other hand, will be very cool, it’s a well-sorted package and looks the part.
“We get to race on a good range of circuits, Chang is Thailand’s MotoGP circuit, Sepang for a long-time hosted Formula 1, while Bangsaen is amazing, it’s a bit like Macau placed in a seaside resort.
“Also, it’s so hot over there, you have to keep hydrated, which is good for keeping race fit for when I come home to the Supercars enduros.”
The Asian driving activities will complement Robotham’s recently announced drive with Brad Jones Racing, where the youngster will line up for his third Bathurst 1000 tilt alongside Bryce Fullwood.
“Moving to Brad Jones Racing is exciting; Bryce is always quick at Bathurst, and last year, he really came to the forefront with the introduction of Gen3,” said Robotham.
“It’s great to be working with him.
“We had a test day recently, and the team are so awesome, but there are so many more people there than at a two-car team, so trying to learn everyone’s name is a bit of a challenge!”
Before moving to Thailand, Robotham recently cleaned up in the opening round of the Lanotec Victorian Hyundai Excel Championship at Sandown Raceway, claiming overall honours after a pair of race wins.
Robotham’s career features distinguished results in Excel racing, Toyota 86s, Production Cars, Trans Am, Super3, where he went through the abbreviated 2020 season undefeated, plus Super2, where he was a race winner in 2022.
Both the GTM and Super Pickup classes kick off their race seasons at the Chang International Circuit from May 3-5.