Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport have confirmed that Aaren Russell will be co – driving with Andre Heimgartner in the #3 Holden VF Commodore, for all three of the PIRTEK Endurance Cup rounds. Russell has been out of his Erebus Commodore since this year’s Townsville 400 and it seemed fitting that a fresh, young – gun stepped behind the wheel with 21 – year old Heimgartner.
Team owner Lucas Dumbrell admits he is really looking forward to the back end of the year and welcoming Russell into the team.
“It’s great to be able to give another young driver an opportunity to compete on the big stage, I believe Aaren will work well with Andre over the PIRTEK Endurance Cup,” said Dumbrell.
Newcastle’s 25 – year old Russell, did not expect to be jumping back behind the wheel so soon, but admits he cannot wait to get back to it.
“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!”
Russell has also brought long time supporter, Plus Fitness who will act as “Naming Rights” sponsor on the #3 entry.
“Plus Fitness are an amazing company, John and Nigel have been backers of me for 3 years now,” said Russell.
“Without their commitment to me, I wouldn’t have been able to continue on with motorsport, so I owe them a lot.
“To know you have people who believe and back who you are 100%, is incredible and over the years they have become more than just a sponsor.
“We have developed such a great relationship and friendship. We look out for each other and we all want what’s best for both parties, so I’m really excited to be able to get back into a V8 and be donning the Plus Fitness livery!”
Russell admits he is no stranger to teammate, Heimgartner having run alongside him in the Dunlop Series as well as pairing with the Kiwi in the New Zealand V8 Super Tourers.
“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,” said Russell.
“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.”
Russell is focused on the job and states that expectations are not a high priority ahead of the up and coming Wilson Security Sandown 500.
“I really don’t play into what I expect or don’t expect, as expectations only add pressure which is something we don’t really need leading into the endurance rounds,” admits Russell.
“I believe if we both go out there and have a strong consistent run, that’s all that matters.”
Having worked with engineer Campbell Little previously at Erebus Motorsport, Russell is confident that the continued relationship is of benefit to both him and Heimgarter.
“Campbell is one of the most experienced personnel on pit lane. I obviously got to know him and how he operates when we were at Erebus, so it’s nice to already have the relationship there and also his knowledge to steer us two young blokes in the right direction,” said the 25 – year old.
“The whole combination works and I really do believe that if we can pull it all together, we can surprise a few heads!
Plus Fitness Directors, John Fuller and Nigel Miller are said to be “very pleased to be able to get Aaren back into the car” as part of their continued support of both Aaren and motorsport and are “looking forward to working with Lucas and his team.”
Furthermore, teammate Andre Heimgartner is excited to finally lock down his co – driver and is really looking forward to the first round of the PIRTEK Endurance Cup.
“I’m really looking forward to driving with Aaren,” said the Kiwi.
“He’s the most recent Supercar driver, so hopefully that will be a plus leading into the Enduros.
“It’s great to have Plus Fitness on board and I’m really liking the new look!”
The Wilson Security Sandown 500 takes place at Sandown Raceway on 16-18 September.
Russell will have his first steer of the Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport Commodore at the team’s test day at Winton Motor Raceway next Tuesday.
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