Border-based Patriot Motorsport bounces back at Victorian event

During last weekend's two-night Victorian title at Mildura's Timmis Speedway, which was also where the previous weekend's national title was held, Heinrich qualified fourth for the Victorian title-deciding feature race and then engaged in a terrific battle for the lead with Anthony Beare.

Heinrich and the newly-crowned national title winner fought tooth and nail throughout the 35-lap event, with the pair swapping the lead on half a dozen occasions; however, in the end, Beare prevailed and Heinrich had to settle for second.

"Bearey and I had a great fight for the lead and neither of us gave an inch, but at the same time it was a clean and fair battle," said Heinrich, who was the 2017 national champion.

"As much I would have liked to have won, there is no shame in running second to a driver of Beare's calibre and a result like this gives the entire Patriot Motorsport team plenty of confidence heading into the remainder of the season."

For Heinrich and Patriot Motorsport, the week between the national and Victorian titles was a massive one to say the least.

"It was really disappointing to have our national title campaign end the way it did, as I know that we had a car capable of a podium spot," he added.

"The damage we sustained in the crash during the national title feature race, due to power steering failure, was extensive and a lot of work went into getting the car ready for the Victorian title.

"There is no doubt that without the help of many, including 'Big D' (Daniel) and Jacob Drewett and Jamie Curtis, we wouldn't have been able to repair the car in time.

"It was fantastic to be able to reward everyone with such a solid Victorian title performance, as it made all of the hard work during the week worthwhile."

With a win in the NSW title and a second place in the Victorian title, Heinrich and the Patriot Motorsport team are looking forward to contesting Saturday night's South Australian title at Whyalla's Westline Speedway.

"I can't wait for the South Australian title, as it's one event that I haven't been lucky enough to win yet, so I'm looking to change that and join my dad as winner, as he won the event back in 1999," Heinrich added.