'You don't accidentally get a top 10’: Heimgartner stars in new Toyota

It might not have been a headline-grabbing start to life in Supercars for Toyota, however there was one clear standout on the opening day of the season.

In a surprise, it wasn't from homologation team Walkinshaw TWG Racing, but rather Brad Jones Racing who led the charge for Toyota on their opening day.

After a mad thrash just to get their three Supras to a Winton shakedown last week, BJR had the only Supra to make it into the second segment of qualifying, with Andre Heimgartner breaking the former Gen3 qualifying record in the process.

From 10th on the grid, the R&J Batteries Supra remained a consistent presence at the back end of the top 10, with the Kiwi securing eighth in a fine start to his life as a Toyota driver.

Heimgartner was well clear of Chaz Mostert in 15th, however Mostert and all three BJR Supras made ground in race conditions.

Walkinshaw's two-tyre pit strategy for both Mostert and Ryan Wood didn't pay off, with both drivers struggling for balance on old tyres.

The reception upon returning to the BJR garage was one of euphoria, with several ex and current Toyota employees on hand to heartily applaud Heimgartner.

Sean Hanley, John Pappas, Ben Casagrande, and Neil Crompton, who has joined BJR in an advisory role, were all on hand to celebrate Heimgartmer's impressive performance.

Pappas took over from Hanley as Vice President of National Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations, however Hanley was on hand beside his successor as he watched the program he was so instrumental in getting off the ground come to life.

“Solid night. I don't think you could really expect much more,” Heimgartner told Supercars.com.

“Had some good pace at different spots and just learned a lot. So yeah, very different to what we're used to, driving other cars.

“It was great. I don't think you could really ask for much more. It's all a learning exercise at this point, so looking forward to doing it again tomorrow.

"They've done amazing job. The GR Supra you looks incredible. You don't accidentally get a top 10. You've gotta have good machinery around you to do it.

“We just have to piece it together better and start refining some things with it. But, a solid first hit out."

Action resumes today in Sydney with Boost Mobile Qualifying for Race 2 at 3:40pm local time, followed by the Boost Mobile Top Ten Shootout at 4:35pm, and Race 2 at 7:35pm.