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After two events on the sidelines, Aaren Russell and sponsor Plus Fitness will return to the Supercars Championship at Sandown.
The Novocastrian has been confirmed to co-drive Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport’s #3 Holden alongside Andre Heimgartner in the three-event Pirtek Enduro Cup.
Russell had started the season as a primary driver at Erebus Motorsport in a deal that fell over following July’s Castrol Townsville 400.
While a troubled season has seen LDM without a single top 10 finish since Adelaide, Russell is confident of strong performances in the coming races.
“I’m really looking forward to jumping back aboard a V8 Supercar again,” said Russell.
“I would love to sit here and tell everyone that I don’t miss driving them but that’s far from the truth.
“I’ve been edging to get back into a V8 Supercar from the minute I stopped, so I’m pretty pumped to be honest!
“I’ve known Andre for a few years now, we met back in the Dunlop series and I also had a bit to do with him at Paul Morris’ workshop, so I already have a really good relationship with him.
“We also drove together in one of the New Zealand V8 Super Tourer Endurance rounds, so I got to know him quite well over the years.
“I think we could definitely be a dark horse throughout the endurance rounds.
“We both have a bit of experience between us, but I think we will work well together and really try to maximise the results.”
Plus Fitness first joined Russell in the 2014 Dunlop Series before backing his second-tier campaign and Bathurst wildcard last season.
The sponsor returns to LDM after briefly appearing on its two cars in Townsville amid a spat with Erebus.
“Without their commitment to me, I wouldn’t have been able to continue on with motorsport, so I owe them a lot,” added Russell of Plus Fitness.
“To know you have people who believe and back who you are 100 percent, is incredible and over the years they have become more than just a sponsor.”
Russell will have his first drive of an LDM Commodore at Winton on Tuesday.
Confirmation of Russell completes the Pirtek Enduro Cup grid for 2016 ahead of the September 16-18 Sandown event.
