Kiwi Andre Heimgarter sees himself as a serious contender for this year’s Dunlop Series title, after scoring back-to-back podiums at the Perth 400 and Castrol Townsville 500 – driven by TAFE Queensland.

Sitting third in the standings – 131 points adrift of series leader Ash Walsh – the young kiwi said there’s no reason why he can’t clinch the 2014 Dunlop Series title.

“I can’t see see why we won’t be in the mix at the end of the year,” said Heimgartner.

“If we keep up the pace and consistency we’ve had the last two rounds then we have a shot of winning but it will take a bit of luck.

“Walsh has outstanding race pace but if I focus on my own race I have a chance.”

The 19-year-old secured his first podium with third place at the Perth 400, while he went one better on the streets of Townsville, taking second place behind fellow New Zealander Chris Pither.

Off the back of his success, the Finance EZI Racing driver is confident the MW Motorsport team has unlocked the car speed they need heading into the Coastes Hire Ipswish 400, despite not having a test day since May.

“A lot of people have been testing leading into this round but sometimes you can confuse yourself by testing,” he said.

“Queensland Raceway is a lot like Perth in the way there are high intensity braking zones and our brake package was something we worked really hard on for Barbagallo,” he explained.

Although optimistic about the fifth round of the series, Heimgartner said series heavyweights Walsh, Cameron Waters and Paul Dumbrell will present a strong challenge to his title campaign.

“I finished third at Perth and second at Townsville, so I should win the round,” Heimgarter joked.

“It’s Ash’s test track so he will be tough to beat and Cam and Paul Dumbrell are really quick at the moment.”

The Coates Hire Townsville 400 features two 29-lap races with a top ten inversion in Sunday’s race.

Qualifying kicks off this morning at 10.35EST.