Heimgartner rues 'unfortunate' 14th from pole

Finishing 14th in the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight opener was “pretty good” for Andre Heimgartner after an “unfortunate” race.

Heimgartner sailed to his first pole position for Brad Jones Racing on Saturday in knockout qualifying.

However, the pole advantage lasted all of 10 metres as Heimgartner was beaten off the line by eventual winner Brodie Kostecki, and was fourth by Turn 1.

Steering rack issues plagued Heimgartner’s race, and the #8 R&J Batteries Camaro dropped to 14th.

Heimgartner was put onto a different strategy, and the team projected him to return up the order after dropping to ninth.

However, a Safety Car was called late on after a crash for David Reynolds, ending Heimgartner's hopes.

BJR’s blushes were spared by a solid run by Bryce Fullwood, who raced his #14 Middy’s Electrical Camaro to eighth.

Critically, Heimgartner — who entered the weekend 250 points from the lead — arrives on Sunday 330 points down.

"It was just unfortunate,” Heimgartner said.

“Had a good starting position and then the car wasn't particularly fast at the start and went back a little bit and then steering started to fade in and out.

"With 25 laps to go, it completely shit itself and we just managed to hang on for 14th. So it was pretty good considering.

"It's good for the team to get pole position finally and it's good to start right at the front again.

"So it's good that everyone had speed — Bryce had speed, all the cars at some point had good speed.”

Supercars will return to the track for qualifying and Race 19 on Sunday at Sydney Motorsport Park.