Macauley Jones, son of Australian motorsport legend Brad Jones, has been thrown into the deep end of the Australian Formula Ford Championship in 2012, but is riding a wave of confidence coming in to the fourth round of the season in Townsville.

After a prolific career in karting, Jones made his circuit racing debut a week before the season opening Australian Grand Prix round, with a full schedule of national and state level Formula Ford racing rapidly aiding his advancement.

Jones made his intentions clear at the latest Championship round held at Phillip Island, where he qualified in second position, before racing to fifth overall for the weekend, the same position he holds down in the points standings.

Driving for the CAMS Rising Stars/Minda Motorsport outfit, Jones's development has been aided by his team mate Jack Le Brocq, who heads the title chase after winning two of the first three rounds.

For Jones, this team support is coupled with the guidance from his racing family, which includes uncle Kim Jones, and cousin Andrew Jones, who will be competing in the Dunlop Series in Townsville.

"With the team atmosphere, everyone has been so helpful this season, I'm still learning a lot with every outing," Jones said. "My family have definitely been a big help, especially coming to all of these new tracks, it really shortens the learning curve.

"Also having Jack as a team mate is a massive advantage, he's a front runner, and being able to ask him questions makes it easier to jump up to his level. He challenges me to improve, and it's paying off."

While Jones admits that Phillip Island was a turning point in his season, he still faces plenty of challenges to make the next step.

"It was a bit surprising to be honest. I came in at the end of the (qualifying) session and was able to get second on the very last lap," Jones said. "I was really happy; it was my third ever National round, and definitely the highlight for me so far.

"The thing I need to work on is my starts. I can qualify with the front running guys, but the next thing I need to be doing is regularly racing with them.

"I'm really looking forward to Townsville, hopefully if everything goes to plan we can come away with a good result like at Phillip Island. I hope to be at the front of the field again. Townsville has a great atmosphere, and it looks like a great track to drive a Formula Ford on."

After three rounds, Le Brocq holds down a slender four point advantage over Mathew Hart, with Garry Jacobson another two points away in third.

At the Sucrogren Townsville 400, the Australian Formula Ford Championship are scheduled for three races, and two on-track sessions on each day of competition.