Following multiple minor podium finishes in past NSW Street Stock Title attempts, Patriot Motorsport team were rewarded for their persistence with Rhys Heinrich last Saturday night at Broken Hill Speedway, winning the 2018-19 season running of the event.
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 Loxton, 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,” commented Heinrich.
“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 # 11 Arnolds Fruit Market / LA Racing Lubricants supported 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,” added Heinrich.
“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 next month’s National Title at Mildura’s Timmis Speedway (Vic) on March 9 and 10. After the National Title, the team will contest the Victorian Title, also at Timmis Speedway, and the South Australian Title at Whyalla’s Westline Speedway over the following two weekends.
The Patriot Motorsport team would like to thank their 2018-19 season sponsors: Border Paintless Dent Repair, Arnolds Fruit Market, Cellarbrations – Wodonga, Albury Autoscreen,
IPTA Fibreglass, Statewide Roofing Supplies, The Shed Company, All About Window Tinting, Hillis Ford, Wurth Australia, LA Racing Lubricants, Elite Shock Services (Daniel ‘Big D’ and Jake Drewett), Nissan 4X4 Autospares, De Beer Automotive Paints, Totally Speedway, and Redline Media.
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