Following multiple minor podium finishes in past NSW Street Stock title attempts, Albury-based Patriot Motorsport were rewarded for their persistence with Rhys Heinrich delivering the team its first victory in the series at Broken Hill Speedway.
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While it was a momentous occasion for the Patriot Motorsport team, being their maiden state title win after runner-up finishes in the past two NSW titles with Glenn Mitchell and Jacob Mills, it was also the first state title victory for their South Australia-based driver.
Heinrich, who is a former national champion in the class, started the NSW title-deciding feature race from the outside of the front row, before going on to claim the lead.
From there, he was never headed for the remainder of the 30-lap distance.
“It was a fantastic night for the whole Patriot Motorsport team and the best part was being able to pick up their maiden state title win,” Heinrich said.
“In past state title attempts over the years, the best I’ve ever achieved was numerous second-place finishes, so it was a good feeling to finally get the monkey off my back and get up for a win.
“Our team has endured a mixed run so far this season, but this win has given the team a huge confidence boost – especially when it comes to a slick track setup.”
Earlier in the night, Heinrich and the team battled with a gearbox issue aboard the Kat and Reg Corbett-owned NSW FG Ford Falcon, but with some support from a fellow team, they were able to overcome those issues.
“On behalf of the entire Patriot Motorsport team, I’d like to thank fellow racer Shane Roycroft for the loan of his spare gearbox,” Heinrich added.
“Heading into the event, we had misjudged our gearing and were a bit out in our opening heat race, but thanks to the generosity of Shane and his team, we were able to go on and win the NSW Title.
"To be honest, our success on the night wouldn’t have been possible without their help.”
Following their breakthrough NSW title win, Heinrich and the team are looking forward to the national title at Mildura’s Timmis Speedway on March 9 and 10.
The team will then contest the Victorian title, also at Timmis Speedway, and the South Australian title at Whyalla’s Westline Speedway over the following two weekends.
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