Heimgartner still in race for LDM seat

Andre Heimgartner says he remains in the frame for the vacant second seat at Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport after CAMS blocked Matt Chahda from making a Supercars debut for the team.

The New Zealander appeared set to miss out on a Supercars drive when Chahda was announced as LDM’s second driver at the season launch in Adelaide last week.

However, the identity of the second LDM driver remains unclear after CAMS refused to grant Chahda a Superlicence dispensation, effectively blocking him from competing in Supercars this season.

Having been among the contenders for the drive last month, Heimgartner has resumed discussions with LDM since the Chahda fallout in a bid to secure a late deal to claim the seat.

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The 21-year-old raced for the team last year ending the campaign in 25th position which followed a part-season driving for Super Black Racing in 2015.

While he admits last week’s turn of events has raised his hopes of rejoining the Supercars Championship, a deal is far from certain.

“I have a little bit more hope but you never what might happen,” Heimgartner told Speedcafe.com.

“We will just have to wait and see.

“We have spoken to LDM since what happened last week but nothing has been arranged.

“From what I gather talks are still on-going and are in process, but I’m not sure what Lucas (Dumbrell) has planned at the moment.

“At this stage we have just got our heads down just trying to figure out a plan for this coming season.

“We have only got a few more weeks before its underway so it’s getting late.

“LDM is one option but there are other options (other than Supercars) on the table, but we are just trying to get at least one across the line.”

If the Supercars door is closed on Heimgartner, the Aucklander remains confident he will be competing in either Porsche Carrera Cup or Australian GT this year.

“It is obviously not ideal but I have got a good team behind me, so I’m sure we will work something out,” he added.

“Options to join Australian GT and Porsche Carrera Cup are definitely very realistic and have been on the cards the whole time.

“I’m sure if my involvement in Supercars doesn’t happen, I will pop up in one of those categories.”

Preparations for the new Supercars season ramps up with next week’s official tyre test at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 21.