Birkdale V8 Supercar driver David Russell takes to the streets of Surfers Paradise this weekend as co-driver for Rick Kelly in the Jack Daniel’s Nissan and also lines up in the Porsche Carrera Cup.
The Gold Coast race is renown for its action as drivers bounce over the kerbs and try to avoid the concrete walls of the narrow street circuit.
But Russell, 32, won’t be holding back when he starts each of the two 300km races, held over Saturday and Sunday.
“For me, I won't be changing any style,” Russell said.
“It needs to be 100 per cent commitment - as you would at any other place. But the stakes are bit higher with concrete walls everywhere.”
Russell believes the Nissan Altima will be strong on the infamous Gold Coast track.
"It's a track that should suit the Nissans, well it did last year, I really enjoyed driving there," he said.
"We had really good pace. The Nissans ride the kerbs well, and they're good on the tight stuff.
“The key will be for Rick to qualify will and be up the pointy end and away from some of the shenanigans down the back especially around the street circuit where it's so blind anything can happen,” Russell said.
He said race strategy would be critical as would be looking after the tyres, and trying not to wreck the car.
“We saw so many suspension failures last year,” he said.
In between the V8 Supercars, Russell will be busy in the Porsche Carrera Cup where he is filling in for Roger Lago in the number 23 JBS 991 Series Cup car.
He is aiming for top three finishes in the three races over Saturday and Sunday.
With the V8 Supercars and Porsche pits at opposite ends of the track, he will be going fast on and off the track.
