HEIMGARTNER “LIKELY” TO STICK WITH GROVE

Rising Kiwi Supercars star Andre Heimgartner says he is “most likely” to sign with Grove Racing for a new deal beyond 2021.

But he also admits he’s not past the point of potentially accepting another deal with another team.

The 26-year old currently drives the Ned Whisky Ford Mustang for Kelly Grove Racing, which becomes Grove Racing in 2022 after Stephen Grove completes his buyout of the Kelly family from the Melbourne operation.

Grove, who only bought into what was Kelly Racing last summer, has made it clear he wants to keep Heimgartner onboard.

Heimgartner, who joined what was then Kelly Racing in 2018, has now confirmed his desire to stay with the operation with a new multi-year deal.

“My likelihood is staying (with Grove), that’s what we are trying to do,” he told Auto Action.

“You would be stupid not to have your ear to the ground looking at what other opportunities there are.

“You never say never, but I’d probably say the most likely outcome is me staying where I am.”

Heimgartner first broke into Supercars with Tickford Racing satellite Super Black Racing then spent a season with Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport before dropping out for the 2017 season.

He has steadily progressed since joining Kelly Racing, scoring his first solo podium (Phillip Island) in 2019, his first pole (Sydney Motorsport Park) in 2020 and his first win (The Bend) this year.

His main frustration is a championship finishing record that belies his pace; 14th in 2020 has been his best result. He currently runs 12th but has been as high as eighth this year.

Heimgartner has been linked with a variety of potential drives beyond 2021.

But he says the key thing going forward is certainty he’ll be racing in Supercars.

“It’s all positive,” he said. “I will definitely be in the series for the foreseeable future. It’s just trying to get a deal done that works best for me and where I will be happy and all that sort of stuff.

“I think we will have that sorted out soon. I guess this big break [triggered by COVID] has given everyone time to have the talks, have the negotiations and go from there.

“I am happy with how everything is sitting at the moment.”

Heimgartner joined Kelly Racing as the replacement for team co-owner Todd Kelly. Heimgartner says he is looking forward to the new Grove-owned direction, but also acknowledged the contribution of the Kelly family.

“There is a lot happening with the change of ownership with the team and it’s been very interesting to be a part of it,” he said.

“Obviously I was with Kelly Racing for a long time and to see the transition has been interesting. I think it is all positive. The Groves are going to bring a lot to the team and they have big ambitions and big plans going forward.

“So I think it is exciting for everyone.

“The Kellys have moved on to some other aspects. They put a lot of effort in for so many years and it’s good to see them enjoying life and focussing on some other things.”

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.