The Richards traits Jones sees in Heimgartner

For the first time in 12 years, a Kiwi will race the #8 Commodore on home soil.

Andre Heimgartner will race for Brad Jones Racing for the first time in New Zealand next week.

The ITM Auckland SuperSprint will be the first round across the ditch in three years.

Heimgartner has progressed in leaps and bounds since, and now heads up BJR’s four-strong quartet.

The looming event has given team owner Jones a chance to reflect on the late Jason Richards.

Drivers will race at Pukekohe for the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, named after the late driver.

In nine rounds, Heimgartner has made an impact, scoring podiums in Perth and Winton.

Away from the track, however, Jones sees traits of Richards passing through his current Kiwi charge.

Richards passed away in 2011

“JR’s shoes are pretty big ones to fill,” Jones told Supercars.com.

“Andre’s done a fantastic job of moving that car to the front of the field.

“They’re certainly very efficient with their work ethic, and somewhat underestimated in their talent.

“Andre’s showing this year what he is capable of, and that’s similar to JR when he was with us.

“JR’s legacy is still very much an important part of BJR. Andre is honouring that.”

BJR and Jason Bright took out the JR Trophy in emotional scenes in 2013.

Heimgartner’s debut was still a year away, and he is still only 27.

A topsy-turvy season was punctuated by a shocking accident at The Bend.

Heimgartner is leading BJR's charge

However, Heimgartner proved his resilience as he returned to the track just three weeks later.

With Richards’ legacy in tow and with Heimgartner a renewed force on home soil, Jones is confident BJR can pull something out of the fire.

“Going back to Puke for the last time, it’s really important for us to do well,” Jones said.

“Beating Shane for the JR Trophy will be difficult, but it’ll be awesome if we’re in the fight.

“When we’ve been on point this year, we’ve been very competitive.

“The Kiwis lift when we go to New Zealand, and rightly so. Andre is pumped.

“The JR Trophy means so much to us, and we’d love nothing more than to repeat what we did in ’13."

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