Jayden, 13, of Claremont Meadows nominated for the Penrith Press Junior Sports Star award

MISSING friends' birthday parties and special events is the norm for go-kart rider Jayden Ojeda.

Jayden Ojeda

MISSING friends' birthday parties and special events is the norm for go-kart rider Jayden Ojeda.

Jayden, 13, of Claremont Meadows, got his first kart on his seventh birthday.

Racing at several meets has limited Jayden's attendance at parties since then but he doesn't regret it.

"Because we go out nearly every weekend, I don't really get to see my friends that much," he said.

"Sometimes it's a bit of a bugger, but I am happy doing what I love.

"What I love about it most is the risk and feel of driving and racing."

After finishing third in the junior national light category at the Australian national sprint kart championships last month, Jayden is on his way to stardom. But this week's nominee for the Penrith Press Junior Sports Star award, sponsored by Rebel, knows he has a long way ahead of him.

"Formula One is my top aim but if not that I'd like to race in the V8s or Formula Ford," he said. "I just want to be involved in motorsport in the future.

"My dad used to race and that is how I got involved in the sport. Now he is my pit crew for everything and is a huge help to me."

Jayden Ojeda