Supercars driver Andre Heimgartner is going to extraordinary lengths during his off-season in a bid to turn serious potential into a breakout 2020 campaign.
The Kelly Racing Kiwi says he’s training up to 18 times a week as he aims to follow up a promising 2019, which yielded two podiums.
While other drivers might have been relaxing with family during the Christmas period, the 24-year-old has been working harder than ever.
« I’m training 15 to 18 times a week… so I’m doing everything I possibly can to sort of prepare, » Heimgartner told Supercars.com.
« It’s a lot of strength and conditioning, so a lot of weights, cycling, running, yoga, pilates, remedial massage, cryotherapy. »
If that isn’t enough, Heimgartner is planning to train in altitude during January as he attempts to close the gap on the championship’s elite drivers.
The New Zealander will step into a Ford Mustang this year, after Kelly Racing’s switch from Nissan Altimas.
Heimgartner finished a career-best second at Sandown in November, behind Supercars icon Jamie Whincup.
Despite that impressive performance, along with a third at Phillip Island, consistency proved elusive for Heimgartner as he ended up 16th in the championship standings.
This year, Scott McLaughlin remains the man to beat as the Ford flyer aims to secure a third-straight title.
After his maiden title in 2018 came down to the wire, McLaughlin never looked in serious doubt of relinquishing his crown last year.
However, speculation about the DJR Team Penske star’s future in Australia has only intensified after being invited to take an IndyCar rookie test in America during January.
McLaughlin has repeatedly maintained he will defend his Supercars crown.
http://www.espn.com/v8-supercars/story/_/id/28407139/supercars-driver-ramps-2020-plans
