New-look Heimgartner Camaro breaks cover
BJR reveals 2024 look for Andre Heimgartner’s #8 Camaro
Heimgartner, R&J Batteries return for third season
Kiwi star scored six podiums in career-best 2023 campaign
Brad Jones Racing has revealed a revised look for spearhead driver Andre Heimgartner’s #8 R&J Batteries Chevrolet.
Heimgartner and R&J Batteries return for a third season at BJR, which finished third in last year’s teams’ championship.
Last year, Heimgartner put together a career-best campaign with six podiums and a pole position, and finished seventh overall. Midway through 2023, R&J Batteries announced a two year sponsorship extension with BJR, taking the partnership to 2025.
The tweaked R&J Batteries look, designed by Peter Hughes, was pictured by the Murray River near Albury, the home of BJR. The car was painted with PPG and wrapped by 3M vinyl.
BJR also welcomes support from Harley Davidson, which takes prime branding position on the #8’s windscreen banner. Pizza Hut meanwhile, features on the bonnet, complete with Heimgartner headshot.
John West Logistics, Hamilton Asphalts, Blackwoods, Coca-Cola, Coregas, Dunlop, Fuchs, Hare and Forbes Machineryhouse, Lansvale Smash Repairs, Mack Trucks, Mastercam, Mongrel Boots, Mrs Macs, PPG, Summit, Unit, Wagga Motors, and Speedflow also back the #8 Camaro.
The Heimgartner livery reveal comes after BJR uncovered a revised Middy’s Electrical look for 2019 Super2 champion Bryce Fullwood.
“R&J Batteries have pulled together another stunning livery, I’m very excited by the whole paint scheme. If it goes as good as it looks we’re in for a great year,” Heimgartner said.
“We found our stride in the middle of last year and unfortunately weren’t able to capitalise it there at the end, but we’ve all been putting in some serious hours over the summer to come back stronger.
“I’m as ready as ever to get to Bathurst and get racing, this is my ninth year in the category and third year with BJR. I’m comfortable with the environment and the team here, I’ve seen what we can do over the last two years and there’s just a few things we needed to clean up which we have. So this year is a big opportunity for us.”
Team owner Jones said: “This has to be one of my favourite R&J Batteries liveries, it’s a stunning car.
“It’s also an amazing time to be able to welcome Harley Davidson, John West Logistics and Hamilton Asphalts to the team. They’re very exciting additions and terrific partners to have on board.
“The R&J Batteries car had a standout performance last year with Andre and it’ll be interesting to see how they start off this year. Andre is our elder statesman now, and he’s been very supportive to Bryce, Macca and Jaxon. It’s such a good working relationship for our team and he’s an incredibly important asset.”
Ray Robson, R&J Batteries Managing Director, added: "We are exited to be onboard with BJR & with Andre behind the wheel for the 2024 season.
"The new R&J Batteries livery looks great and we welcome onboard the new sponsors for this season.
"With mixed results last year we are looking forward to improving and hopefully find some more consistency in this very competitive field.
"The partnership with Brad and BJR team is great for the R&J Brand plus Andre is a great ambassador for our business which makes the deal worthwhile and enjoyable.
"Can’t wait for the first round at Bathurst in a few weeks time.”
Heimgartner will test at Winton Motor Raceway on Wednesday February 7 alongside teammates Fullwood, Macauley Jones and rookie Jaxon Evans.
The BJR quartet will then hit the track at Mount Panorama for the 2024 season-opening Thrifty Bathurst 500 on February 23-25. Tickets are on sale now.
