Podiums push Heimgartner into title discussion

Andre Heimgartner has emerged a shock outside title chance after a strong weekend at the betr Darwin Triple Crown.

Heimgartner powered his #8 R&J Batteries Camaro to two front row starts on Sunday, and converted to finishes of third and second.

On both occasions, Heimgartner loomed to score victory in what would have been his first since 2021, and Brad Jones Racing’s first since 2020.

However, he was edged by both Red Bull Ampol drivers in Race 14, before settling for second being surprise Race 15 winner, Matt Stone Racing’s Jack Le Brocq.

Heimgartner jumped Tickford Racing’s Cam Waters into sixth in the championship, and is 282 points down heading to the NTI Townsville 500.

The Darwin double comes after Heimgartner scored trophies at Albert Park and Tasmania, meaning he has stood on the podium at three of five events.

A BJR driver has finished no better than sixth in the championship, courtesy of Fabian Coulthard in 2013.

Heimgartner was one to watch in Townsville last year, finishing fourth and ninth in the two 250km races after pacing practice.

"Had some consistency and some good speed in the qualifying, which really set up the day,” Heimgartner said of Darwin.

“Managed to have decent race pace as well and maximised what we had.

"So pretty good any day, or any weekend, you can get two podiums. It's really good.

"We lacked a little bit of outright speed initially, in the last race which meant we couldn't fight 100 per cent for the win.

“But we're putting pressure on and did what we could but awesome weekend overall.”

BJR was a force all weekend, with Bryce Fullwood claiming two top 10 finishes in front of his home fans.

Macauley Jones also raced his #96 Pizza Hut Camaro to seventh in Sunday’s first race, his first top 10 since Albert Park in April.

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the NTI Townsville 500 on July 7-9. Tickets are on sale now.