Coronado High School student Jorge Cevallos has big plans for 2012: Rise in the ranks of Mexican auto racers and triumph in Formula 3 competition in Europe.
"We have Sergio Pérez in Formula 1," said the 17-year-old during a recent interview from Orlando, referring to a Mexican racing champion. "I'm going to do my best to put the name of Jorge Cevallos in Formula 3."
Formula 3 racing is an important step for any aspiring Formula One driver. "F3" championships are held in South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
In early December the teen was in Orlando for the Red Bull Kart Fight, an invitation-only competition featuring 30 top drivers.
In a race he called "the most competitive" he's ever had, Cevallos finished in 13th place, which he said was a good result, considering that in the previous round he finished 30th because of an accident.
The event is considered one of the most important kart races in the world. He was part of the CRG-USA kart team.
In 2012, Cevallos will return to Europe to compete in the British Formula Three Championship, won by fellow Mexican driver Pérez in 2007.
"It's something that excites me. I want to win a championship," said the Tijuana native. "The F3 is a big challenge and I would be two steps away from my dream of participating in Formula One racing."
Cevallos trained in Great Britain in October and November with the T-Sport European team.
"I think I have adapted very well to their car. It's a vehicle that is much faster and advanced but I have not had any problems," he said.
He was able to train in some of the most famous racetracks in Europe, such as Monza, Silverstone, Snetertton, Spa Francorchamps and Nürburgring and among others. His daily training included practicing in a simulator and driving for 40 minutes in a track, all in pursuit of a dream that started when he was 13 years old.
Growing up he saw his father, Javier Cevallos, compete in the traditional Baja 1000 race. That's when the youngster became hooked on cars and speed.
He began racing karts, mainly at Qualcomm Stadium, competing in ten races a year. Little by little, he began to win races and drew the attention of the CRG-USA team.
In March, he plans to be in England for the "British F3."
alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com
