Positive signs for BJR on Friday at Taupo

Brad Jones Racing is confident after the first day on track at Taupo with Andre Heimgartner topping the first practice session.

The quick Kiwi was on the pace in the second session as well, with the R&J Batteries car fourth fastest on the time sheets.

Bryce Fullwood in the Mr Umami Camaro wasn’t too far behind in eighth. After not getting a proper chance at a clean lap in Practice 1, Fullwood was able to feel what the car was capable of. 

Local talent Jaxon Evans was quite happy with his car in the first session, ending up 15th at the flag but is still trying to maximize a green tyre in the second practice where he ended up 20th.

Macauley Jones missed a lot of time in early practice session trying to fix an electrical issue, which was eventually resolved.

The Wendy’s Camaro wasn’t ultimately to his liking in the second practice, the team will work to change that ahead of a big Saturday. 

Tomorrow is a bumper day of action with two back-to-back qualifying sessions (10:25 NZST/8:35 AEST) and two races.

SUPERCARS QUOTEBOARD

Andre Heimgartner
Supercars driver, #8 R&J Batteries Camaro
"Good day today. Rolled out pretty solid, and just been doing some little tunes and just getting acclimatized to the car and the new style of driving that we've come here with and the plan of attack. Solid so far, first and fourth. Can't complain. I think hopefully, going into tomorrow will again have a speedy car. Get some good results and push on but it's all heading in the right direction."

Bryce Fullwood
Supercars driver, #14 Mr Umami Racing Camaro
"Good day here in Taupo. The weather is far better here this year than I remember it last year. Good day so far. Practice 1 for me, felt like the car was quite good, but just didn't quite get the lap down that I felt the car was capable of. Obviously, really good to see Andre in first, and then the second session a little bit cleaner for me, still some things to work on, but it's inside the 10. So happy with that and excited to go racing tomorrow."

Macauley Jones
Supercars driver, #96 Wendy's Racing Camaro
"It was a bit frustrating this morning. The RPM sensor let go on the first flying lap, which wasn't ideal. Sort of put us out for half that session. And feeling like a fish out of water a little bit with the car just trying to catch back up and find the rhythm that we want to. I feel like we've got some clear spots to find some time which is encouraging. I wouldn't say it was the greatest day from our side of the garage."

Jaxon Evans
Supercars driver, #12 SCT Motorsport Camaro
"Nice to be back on track here in Taupo. Unfortunately, wasn't really the strongest day for us. We felt alright after the first session, but Practice 2 sort of over driving in certain areas or not maximizing the car that I've got underneath me. So little bit of homework to do overnight. Confident that is more in the driver than the car. Do my homework and see if we can tune it up for qualifying tomorrow. "