Erebus Motorsport has unveiled primary backing from Plus Fitness for Aaren Russell’s V8 Supercars Championship entry.

The Australian fitness franchise company has backed Russell since the end of 2014, supporting his Dunlop Series and Bathurst wildcard efforts.

Russell, 24, graduates to the main series with the new look Erebus, which has moved to Melbourne and dumped its Mercedes AMGs for Commodores over the off-season.

Plus Fitness is the second major sponsor announced by Erebus in recent weeks following confirmation that Penrite will adorn the entry of team-mate David Reynolds.

“I’m so pumped to have Plus Fitness as my major naming rights sponsor on my car for this season,” said Russell.

“I first met John Fuller and Nigel Miller of Plus Fitness a few years ago when I was looking for partners for my Dunlop Series drive, so they’ve been on board with me since then.

“It’s awesome to bring a sponsor into the Dunlop Series and then have them step up to V8 Supercars with me.

“The support I have at Plus Fitness means so much to me, we’ve got to know everyone there, they’re great people who back me 100 percent.”

While Erebus has a heavy workload to prepare its new cars ahead of the March 3-6 season opener in Adelaide, Russell says he’s eager to get behind the wheel.

“We’ve got a big year ahead of us, and the first round in Adelaide is only six weeks away, but we’ve also got a lot of support in our corner,” he said.

“I finished third in the round last year in Adelaide, so it’s a track I enjoy driving – I can’t wait for the season to kick off.”