David Russell will return to Carrera Cup alongside Shane Smollen for the Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend.

The Kelly Racing signed co-driver Russell is an dab hand at Carrera Cup and the Australian GT class.

The McGrath Motorsport team have generated a combination for the twin 60-minute long shared driver races that blends speed with experience.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to return to Carrera Cup, and I’m really looking forward to teaming up with Shane for the weekend,” said Russell, who last month was confirmed as co-driver to Todd Kelly in the V8 Supercar enduros.

“I have great confidence in my partnership with Shane and with the right strategy we should be able to put together a successful weekend.”

“Porsche Rennsport Australia is a fantastic thing for Porsche to be doing and it’s going to be a brilliant event.”

Smollen is confident that his partnership with Russell will reap a strong result.

“Clearly the event will be a great equaliser.”

“Dave’s proven himself in Carrera Cup in the past and will no doubt want to make a mark on the series upon his return. I need to back him up, be consistent and make sure that we’re there at the end of both races.”

“Tyres will play a big part over the hour, so we’ll be looking to balance out our pace and put together a strong strategy.”

Aiding in the management of that strategy will be team boss Grant Geelan of Autohaus Hamilton, who will be supporting the team throughout the weekend.

“Shane and Dave are a great pairing with plenty of experience and the adrenaline of a home round behind them. We’re looking forward to a successful weekend!”

“It’s going to be a massive weekend for Autohaus Hamilton and we’re thrilled to be able to support

Shane and Dave in Carrera Cup, along with cars in every single category at Porsche Rennsport Australia.”

“We’d like to send out a huge thanks to Porsche for having the foresight to put an event like this on in Australia.”