Exciting young Kiwi Andre Heimgartner is expected to test a Dick Johnson Racing Ford at the official Saturday pre-season test at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Heimgartner, who has commenced his racing year with some decent results in the New Zealand V8 SuperTourer Championship, has signed up with the iconic Queensland team as part of his junior development driver program.
He will work with DJR’s 2014 main game drivers Scott Pye and David Wall through the year and have a hands-on role within the squad.
The teenage star is already confirmed to run in the Dunlop Development Series for Matt White Racing however he will also be taken under the wing of DJR with a view to a possible future endurance co-driver role.
“Andre is a talent that we had to latch onto,” team patriarch Dick Johnson said.
“ We keep a very close eye on the Dunlop Series and we know his results last year were no reflection on his ability.
“We sat down at the end of last year and agreed that to have a young guy under our wings, just as FPR did with Chaz (Mostert), was a sound strategy and Andre fits the bill for our plans.”
The 19-year-old has built a wealth of experience in a short space of time from karting, NZ Formula Ford, Porsche Carrera Cup, the Dunlop Series and NZ SuperTourers.
“I am so proud to be selected by DJR to become their Junior Development Driver. We had already signed with Matt White Racing for the Dunlop Series so this is just the icing on the cake.”Heimgartner said.
“The plan outlined by Dick, Campbell Little and the management is fantastic.
“It allows me to focus on the Dunlop Series but the program behind that will give me so much more experience.”
