Looming Toyota switch 'invigorating' for BJR
Looming Toyota switch "invigorating" for BJR, says Andre Heimgartner
After 18 seasons running GM machinery, BJR will switch to Toyota in 2026
BJR began life as one-car Ford team for driver-team owner Jones in 2000
There is a renewed sense of confidence at Brad Jones Racing ahead of the Albury squad's looming shift to Toyota in 2026, says Andre Heimgartner.
After 18 seasons running General Motors machinery, BJR will switch to Toyota from next season alongside homologation team Walkinshaw Andretti United.
It marks the biggest move yet for BJR, which began life as a one-car Ford operation for eponymous driver-team owner Jones in 2000.
Between 2002 and 2007, BJR operated as a multi-car Ford squad, before moving to Holden in 2008. Since 2021, BJR has operated its own in-house four-car model.
That model will continue into 2026 under the team's new life as a Supra squad, with Heimgartner confirmed at the team for the coming season.
Jones revealed in May that the first BJR Toyota chassis build is underway, with the team revealing progress of the build in recent weeks.
Toyota has revealed teasers in the lead-up to the Supra's format unveiling on September 1 in Sydney. The launch comes in the lead-up to October's Repco Bathurst 1000, where the Supra will also be on display.
For Heimgartner, who has also raced Fords, Holdens and Nissans in Supercars, the prospect of racing Toyotas is coming at a good time for BJR.
Through eight rounds, BJR's Heimgartner/Bryce Fullwood pairing is sixth overall, and ranked second of Chevrolet teams. The team is also 93 points behind outgoing Ford homologation team Dick Johnson Racing.
“It's a new, exciting challenge. Anytime anything new comes along, it’s new toys for everyone to play with," Heimgartner told Supercars.com.
"The guys are excited to get their hands on all the parts and to see that coming through, working with a different brand, all the things that come with that are really exciting and invigorating.
"I think it's a good time to change. We're the second GM team behind Triple Eight in the championship. So, I think Brad's quite happy with where things are and we're heading in the right direction."
Heimgartner sits eighth in the championship heading to the first Ryco Enduro Cup round, the AirTouch 500 at The Bend, on September 12-14.
