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Heimgartner aiming high after Race 2 redemption

08 Mar 2022
'We were in the mix all day and racing the top guys'
1 mins by James Pavey
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Andre Heimgartner is motivated for more after running in podium positions in both Sydney races.

Heimgartner, in his first round as a Brad Jones Racing driver, crossed the line fifth in Sunday's 77-lap race, which was won by Chaz Mostert.

The New Zealander ran at the front in Race 1 on Saturday night, but crossed the line 14th following a fuel drama.

His run in the night race also included a skirmish with Thomas Randle on pit straight.

Having qualified fourth for Saturday’s race, the result marked a disappointment for the 26-year-old.

It loomed to get worse on Sunday when he qualified 12th, but he again raced towards the front.

Heimgartner notably muscled past Anton De Pasquale at Turn 2 for third with 25 laps remaining.

![contentful-entry](04Wtl1BlZcPIqPoO5vz81)

He was fifth at the time of the final restart following a third Safety Car period, and that was where he remained.

“As far as first weekends go, it was pretty solid,” he told Supercars.com.

“It was really tricky today but we were in the mix all day and racing the top guys.

“It’s good because yesterday was unfortunate, we were at the front and I felt we were on for a podium.

“A top five today is nice, but when you look at it, we were running in podium positions both days.

“So yeah, pretty happy but it could have been more."

The Kiwi left Kelly Grove Racing in the off-season, having raced for the team between 2018 and 2021.

He won at Tailem Bend for the Ford team last May, but confirmed his move to BJR later in the year.

Joining the Albury-based BJR squad was a move questioned by some, but after one round, Heimgartner already feels settled.

“It’s a really good atmosphere,” he said.

“It’s a family-owned team, and you do feel that energy, everyone’s really close.

“I feel pretty comfortable here and we had a good test day so we came here feeling good.

“We’ve got some work to do still to make the car a bit more consistent."

Team owner Jones was pleased with his recruit’s efforts, as well as the showings by his other three drivers.

However, Jones believed Heimgartner’s Sunday could have been even better due to possible damage sustained in the De Pasquale contact.

“Andre was in a position where we thought he could fight for a podium,” Jones said.

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“The contact with Anton might have bent a steering arm or something.

“High position in qualifying, good car pace on the Super Soft.

“I’m happy with where we are."

Heimgartner is eighth in the points, 105 points behind championship leader Mostert.

The season will resume at the NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint. CLICK HERE to purchase your event tickets.

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