Auckland’s own Andre Heimgartner is on the brink of something special this weekend as he lines up for the 2025 ITM Taupō Super440 — with the coveted Jason Richards Memorial Trophy firmly in his sights.
Just two days out from on-track action, the anticipation is building for Heimgartner, who has his eyes set on continuing a run of “natural progression” in the points standings. After finishing third in 2022 and second at the inaugural Taupō event in 2024, the 29-year-old is hoping to go one better this time around.
The homegrown hero made headlines last year by taking a sensational victory in Taupō — becoming only the fourth New Zealander to win a Supercars race on home soil. Now, he’s back with momentum, local support, and a deep emotional connection to the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy.
Despite a packed schedule of media commitments — including appearances on live national television — Heimgartner, along with fellow Kiwi Jaxon Evans and BJR teammates Macauley Jones and Bryce Fullwood, took time to visit Bruce McLaren Intermediate School in Auckland earlier today.
The drivers shared stories of their journeys to Supercars, inspiring the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts and adding a personal touch to the high-octane weekend ahead.
A Trophy with Heart
The Jason Richards Memorial Trophy is awarded to the Supercars driver who scores the most points during the championship’s annual visit to New Zealand. For Heimgartner, the trophy isn’t just a symbol of performance — it carries personal and team significance.
Racing for Brad Jones Racing (BJR), Heimgartner drives the No. 8 Supercar, the same number the late Jason Richards drove for the team before his passing in 2011. That connection resonates deeply, not only with Heimgartner but also with his teammate Macauley Jones — the son of team owner Brad Jones.
The trophy is “hugely significant” for the BJR squad, and emotions are sure to run high as the team aims to honour Richards’ legacy on Kiwi soil.
This year marks the debut of the Super440 format — and with it, expectations of unpredictable, mixed-up racing. According to Macauley Jones, the new structure could throw a spanner in the works and open up opportunities across the grid.
Saturday will feature two 120-kilometre sprint races, each run on a different tyre compound — the Dunlop Soft and Dunlop Super Soft — a combination that could well shake up the competitive order between sessions.
Sunday’s schedule culminates in a 200-kilometre feature race, after which the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the top-performing driver across the weekend.
Track to Town Returns
Before racing gets underway, fans will get a rare up-close experience with the entire Supercars field as the popular Track to Town activation returns on Thursday.
Following a successful debut in 2024, all 24 cars will once again make the scenic drive from the Taupō circuit into the CBD. There, drivers will take part in a full-field signing session on the shores of Lake Taupō, giving fans a chance to meet their heroes.
This year’s convoy departs the circuit at 3:45 p.m. NZST, with the signing session running from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. — before the cars are driven back to the track.
All Eyes on Taupō
As fans pour into Taupō and final preparations wrap up, the stage is set for a thrilling weekend of racing. For Heimgartner, the goal is clear: win on home turf, honour a legacy, and take home the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy for himself and the BJR team.
On-track action begins Friday. Tickets and corporate hospitality for the April 11–13 event are available through Supercars.com and Ticketek NZ.
Fans in Australia can catch every moment live on Foxtel and Kayo, while New Zealand viewers can tune in via Sky Sport.
