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Heimgartner keeps Kelly Racing seat

07 Feb 2019
Third of four Altima drivers announced
2 mins by James Pavey
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Kelly Racing has announced Andre Heimgartner will continue in its #7 Nissan Altima this year.

Heimgartner joined the squad in 2018 as the replacement for retired team co-owner Todd Kelly and finished 17th in the standings.

He accompanies Rick Kelly and Simona De Silvestro as incumbents with the team, which raced as Nissan Motorsport between 2013 and '18.

Michael Caruso has split with the outfit, with 2016 Dunlop Super2 Series winner Garry Jacobson set to take that drive.

That remains the last seat to be confirmed for the 2019 season.

"It’s great to finally announce my return to Kelly Racing for 2019. I can’t wait to get into the new season," Heimgartner said.

"We had some strong results at the end of last year and with the continual development of the Altima over the summer, I’m confident that we will be able to hit the ground running."

It will be Heimgartner's fourth full-time Supercars season, after time with Super Black Racing and Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport in 2015 and '16.

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The New Zealander raced Carrera Cup and GTs in Asia in 2017, but made the most of a late PIRTEK Enduro Cup call-up with Brad Jones Racing.

In 2018, Heimgartner recorded a best grid position of fourth at Barbagallo Raceway and four top 10 race results, including three in the year's final three events.

He also made the year's last two ARMOR ALL Top 10 Shootouts, at Pukekohe, above, and Newcastle.

The 23-year-old's Altima will run an interim livery in next week's pre-season test, with its backing and colours to be released before the Superloop Adelaide 500 opener.

"Andre has developed into a great asset for our team and we are excited to continue our journey with him," Todd Kelly said.

"He has a natural born ability to drive race cars – fast and hungry.

"I’m confident that we are going to see the best of Andre this year.

"The whole Kelly Racing team has barely stopped this off-season and, with the input of Andre and his #7 crew, there’s a positive vibe heading into the pre-season test at Phillip Island."

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