For the second consecutive weekend, Andre Heimgartner has taken the round win of the BNT NZ Touring Cars, by clinching victory at Teretonga where round five of the championship was held.
Heimgartner claimed two race wins and a second placing in the final race of the weekend, which was won by Angus Fogg.
Heimgartner said that like Ruapuna last weekend, track and weather conditions really played a part.
“It was tough out there for sure, just like last weekend at Ruapuna. The track seemed to be different every time we went out, then the final reverse grid race was hot and sunny.
“It was a good battle up the front with Simon and Angus in that last one, they both drove really well, I really enjoy driving the car. I’m not sure what it is at the moment, it’s just easy to drive, the guys have done a great job getting it set up and I feel like I’m driving well too.”
“I hope we can continue the momentum when the championship heads to Manfield in a few weeks time.”
Fogg who made a blinding start from third on the grid in the final race, surged to the lead by turn one and held off the two young hard chargers in Evans and Heimgartner to hang on for his first win of the season.
“We’ve been close to a win a couple of times this season, and it’s nice to get one. It was a tough weekend, we broke a diff in the first race on Saturday and replaced it last night.”
“Those two young guys (Heimgartner and Evans) chased me to the line, they are both certainly on form, it was great to hold on. Really pleased.”
In class two, the weekend was won by championship leader, Brock Cooley of Wellington who secured pole position in qualifying, two wins and a second placing.
“Another excellent weekend for us in the Speedy Signs Ford. I feel quite lucky to get that win in race two. I thought I was going to settle for third, but I got to the last turn on the last lap and Brad Lathrope had spun out of the lead, and Liam MacDonald took avoiding action ending up on the infield. I just sailed on through for the win! I couldn’t believe it!”
Simon Evans still leads the points table in class one by 130 points from Jason Bargwanna, while Brock Cooley now holds a commanding lead of points 145 points in class two over Brad Lathrope.
The BNT NZ Touring Cars will race at Manfield, February 13-14.
