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David Russell’s Mount Panorama duties have increased with the Nissan V8 Supercar co-driver set to deputise for Roger Lago in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia races at Bathurst from October 10-13.
The 32-year-old is a late addition to the 24 car grid after answering an SOS to fill the seat in the #23 JBS 991 Series Cup car with Lago indisposed due to business commitments.
Russell, who will partner Rick Kelly in the #15 Jack Daniel’s Nissan for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, rejoins Carrera Cup for Round 7 of its Championship after previously claiming two race wins from 79 starts.
The New South Welshman last raced in the category in May at Phillip Island where he teamed up with Lago which was his first taste of the new generation Cup cars.
Russell has hinted that although this is a one-off drive he harbours a desire to rejoin the Carrera Cup on a full-time basis in the future.
“I jumped at the opportunity thanks to both Roger Lago and Nissan Motorsport who have been good enough to let me take this offer up,” Russell told Speedcafe.com.
“Its great to get the extra track time at Bathurst.
“I raced in the Australian GT Championship at Sandown so juggling racing commitments at Mount Panorama shouldn’t be an issue.
“I would love to get back on the Porsche Carrera Cup grid again in the future. It’s a really competitive series and great value for my sponsors.”
Russell meanwhile says his preparations for the Great Race are on schedule following the heartbreak of last year, which saw him forced to retire the Altima he shared with Todd Kelly after hitting a kangaroo.
A year on since Nissan’s first V8 Supercars assault at the fabled mount circuit, Russell feels the team have all the tools at their disposal to deliver a top 10 result.
“We are all set and ready for Bathurst,” added Russell.
“I certainly won’t be looking to hit any kangaroos this year.
“I want to go in the record books alongside Jim Richards but not for hitting another kangaroo at Bathurst thats for sure.
“The boys at Nissan have been working tirelessly on the cars this year but so have all the other teams in the paddock.
“I think a top 10 is on the cards all I have got to do is make sure I give Rick the car in a good position for that final stint.”
