.jpg)
Supercars Star Andre Heimgartner Joins Radical Season Opener Grid Feb 25, 2026
Heimgartner Set for Double Duty at Radical Australia West Cup
This weekend at Motormall Wanneroo Raceway!
Supercars race winner and Arise Racing driver coach Andre Heimgartner will swap the Supercar cockpit for a Radical SR3 this weekend, taking on the FSR season opener and the two-day Radical Australia West Cup double header, all while continuing his coaching role within the team.
For Heimgartner, the opportunity is less about pressure and more about passion.
“The opportunity to drive with the guys I help coach is cool,” he said. “It’s great to just enjoy some low-pressure racing and remind yourself why we do what we do.”
Fresh off a dominant 2025 Radical Cup Australia season with Arise Racing, where the team claimed every major championship trophy on offer, Heimgartner now steps into the competitive mix himself, bringing Supercars experience to a very different machine.
A Completely Different Driving Challenge
Transitioning from a Supercar to a Radical SR3 couldn’t be more different.
“The Radical is more open-wheeler style… not much power and a lot of grip,” he explained. “The Supercar is very heavy, lots of power and not much grip.”
With limited laps in the SR3, Heimgartner is embracing the learning curve.
“For sure it will be the driving style and what’s required to get the last few tenths. I haven’t done many laps in a Radical, so it will all be a new challenge.”
Despite expectations that naturally come with a Supercars background, his approach is clear.
“This weekend for me will be purely for fun and to get some great seat time in some cool cars. Any silverware will be a bonus.”
Coach and Competitor
Balancing coaching responsibilities while racing presents its own unique dynamic, especially when lining up against drivers he mentors throughout the season.
“For sure it's going to be interesting! You spend the year telling them how to go fast and criticising their driving,” he said with a smile. “So even though I don’t have green tyres or any practice, I still have to show them the things I try and teach.”
Heimgartner admits that juggling both roles can be demanding.
“Generally doing two jobs on a race weekend doesn’t help because you’re busy concentrating on many things. But I’m experienced enough to know how to do both well and keep calm and think big picture.”
His priority remains clear: the development of his drivers.
“I feel the balance will be mostly concentrating on driver coaching to make sure my guys get the most out of the weekend. It will just be a privilege to strap a helmet on and go have some fun with them.”
Being embedded within the Arise Racing program also offers a technical edge.
“Driving the car and tuning it will help me and the team tune the car better and explore some setup items.”
Expect Competition - And Fun
With experienced Radical front-runners on the grid, Heimgartner expects no easy ride.
“I have no doubt they will make life difficult. I’m expecting it to be very tough and a lot of fun.”
And as for advice to drivers racing against him?
“Don’t crash into me.”
Ultimately, success this weekend isn’t defined by trophies.
“If I can have some good battles with some guys and have fun — that’s a successful weekend.”
And if one of his drivers beats him?
“As any good race car driver would do, I have excuses ready for any situation.”
Join Us Trackside
With a strong field, double header format, and the added dynamic of coach versus competitor, the FSR season opener promises to deliver compelling racing and perhaps a few bragging rights within the Arise Racing garage.
Racing kicks off on Saturday 28 February, with qualifying from 9:00am setting the tone for the weekend, followed by two 15-minute sprint races and a special FSR Grid Walk after Race 1, giving fans the chance to get up close to the cars and drivers on starting grid.
Action continues on Sunday 1 March from 9:30am, with two more races scheduled, including a 20-minute feature race that will crown the Radical Australia West Cup winner and bring the double header to a thrilling conclusion.
Bring the family and support WA motorsport.
Location: Motormall Wanneroo Raceway - 440 Wattle Avenue East, NEERABUP
Spectator entry: $10 per car per day, payable at gate.
We look forward to seeing you on the grid!