HEIMGARTNER TAKES ON THE WORLD

Andre Heimgartner takes on the world – Photo: InSyde Media

KELLY RACING Supercars pilot Andre Heimgartner will get behind the wheel of a very different type of Nissan at this year’s World Time Attack, held at Sydney Motorsport Park on October 18-19.

The 1150bhp MCA Suspension Nissan S13 Silvia ‘Hammerhead’ with Heimgartner at the wheel tested at Queensland Raceway recently, with team chief and rallying legend Murray Coote impressed by the Kiwi’s adaption to the new car.

“Considering the laps he hasn’t done in this car, he’s fit into it really well, and to do a sub-record time is a sign of good things to come,” said Coote.

Heimgartner eclipsed a 20-year-old lap record after only six laps in the car, sending an ominous warning to the opposition. The Kiwi, who has contested dual campaigns in Supercars and TCR Australia this season, was shocked by how the ‘Hammerhead’ handles despite the power it has.

“The car is a lot different to what I thought. I’d heard all these stories about how fast it was … 1150HP, all that sort of stuff … I was a little bit freaked out to be honest, but once I hopped in the car it’s so steady, so controllable,” Heimgartner said.

Coote is keen to get back to the winner’s circle after being defeated by the PR Technology Racing Porsche RP968 last year, and feels the combination the team now has will be hard to beat.

“I just enjoy motorsport and I particularly have enjoyed the knowledge learnt. It’s important not to focus on a lot of little things, you’ve got to focus on the whole car,” says Coote.

“We won it two years in a row and I guess you get a bit casual. With the rainy event we didn’t get the sessions – it was just one of those difficult events and we weren’t on top of our game. The Porsche [RP968] had to get there sooner or later, because it was so well-credentialed and well-built.”

Heimgartner also shares the same attitude and is looking forward to taking on the new challenge.

“I’ve only seen the event from afar. The fact I get the privilege to drive a car that’s capable of winning is really exciting and I’ve heard when you go there, this car is like royalty,” said Heimgartner.

“If we can be around the mark we were at today [during testing], at World Time Attack, I think we’ll be on!”

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