Jones excited by 'familiar face' Heimgartner signing

Brad Jones is excited to welcome back "familiar face" Andre Heimgartner to his eponymous team.

It was announced Monday that Heimgartner will race for Brad Jones Racing in 2022 and beyond.

Last week, Kelly Grove Racing confirmed Heimgartner’s exit, with the Kiwi quickly snapped up by BJR.

It sees Heimgartner return to drive for the team which helped him secure the Kelly drive in the first place.

In 2017, Heimgartner was a last-minute call-up for the enduros with BJR, and he scored a memorable Gold Coast podium with Tim Slade.

Team owner Jones was keen to see Heimgartner build on his potential.

"Andre is a familiar face with the BJR team and I’m extremely excited to have him on board, full-time, for the 2022 season and beyond," Jones said.

"I’ve watched him develop over the last few years and see a lot of potential in him.

"I think he’ll fit right in with our team and partners. I feel like we’ll be in a good position to fight for wins and podiums moving forward."

The announcement coincides with the exit of de facto BJR team leader Nick Percat.

Percat joined BJR in 2017 and announced Monday that the 2021 season will be his last with the Albury-based squad.

Heimgartner has now become BJR’s first official signing of the 2022 season.

Incumbents Jack Smith, Macauley Jones and Todd Hazelwood are yet to confirm their 2022 plans.