Jack Daniel’s Racing set for Bathurst Challenge in Australia

BATHURST, Australia – Jack Daniel's Racing drivers Rick Kelly and David Russell are primed for this weekend's Bathurst 1000 in Australia, with the duo seeking a strong result in Nissan's third visit to Mount Panorama in the V8 Supercar era.

After finishing in the top 10 at the recent Sandown 500, Kelly remains in the top 10 of the championship point score, a position he has held since the season opening Clipsal 500.

To date in 2015, Kelly has registered podiums at Winton and Hidden Valley, a total of nine top-10 results, as well as a pole position at Hidden Valley, and the fastest race lap from three event weekends.

This year's classic marks Kelly's 15th 1000 start, which to date have yielded a pair of victories alongside Greg Murphy in 2003 and 2004.

For Russell, the Bathurst weekend will once again be a busy affair, as the Queensland based driver will be supplementing his V8 Supercar duties with his regular drive in the Porsche Carrera Cup.

Making his fifth straight Bathurst campaign in Jack Daniel's colors, Russell also has runs on the board at Mount Panorama, with the unique distinction of being a class winner in the Bathurst 2 Hour, 12 Hour and 24 Hour.

Last year the combination of Kelly and Russell finished eighth in the Bathurst 1000, despite battling with technical gremlins, with the result giving Nissan three finishers in the top 10.

The Bathurst 1000 event kicks off on Thursday with three practice sessions before qualifying on Friday, the top-10 shootout on Saturday, and the 161-lap race on Sunday.

JACK DANIEL'S RACING QUOTEBOARD

Rick Kelly - #15 Nissan Altima

"I'm already anxious to get there. I can't believe it is already that time of the year to head to the big one," said Rick Kelly.

"It's one that nobody takes for granted. It takes a great team, great preparation, strong application by the team over the entire weekend, and also a lot of luck.

"As we saw last year, a car that started last won the race, and here at Nissan Motorsport we scored second place with James Moffat and Taz Douglas.

"We could have had a reasonable shot in that race as well for our Jack Daniel's Racing Nissan if it wasn't for an electrical drama.

"It just highlights how important luck is on the day, but also how important preparation is.

"We've done a fair bit of work to ensure that we get there and have a good opportunity.

"The Sandown race for us was a really good preparation for the Bathurst 1000. We did a good job as a driver combination with David Russell. He did exactly what we needed from him in the race. We had a good driver change in the race, and a really good team environment.

"We had some challenges that we worked through really well, and it puts us in a good position heading into Bathurst.

"It's just such an important round for us. You don't head there with anything else on your mind other than trying to win the race on the Sunday.

"It's a long week – one that we can't wait to get into. From practice to the races, it's an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to drive around that track.

"Every year when you hit the track for the first time on Thursday for that first session, no matter how much work you've done to prepare yourself, it's an uncomfortable time in the car, because it's such a difficult circuit, and a place that demands such respect from you.

"It's what we live for, and I'm excited it's that time of the year."

David Russell - #15 Nissan Altima

"I can't wait to get to Bathurst. Always on the Monday afterwards, I wish it were only a few more days until the next time we race there, because I just love driving at the place," said David Russell.

"To be in the Bathurst 1000 is a privilege, and at the same time you want to do the very best that you possibly can in the race.

"To team up with Rick again in the Jack Daniel's Nissan is fantastic.

"Both Rick and I have firm plans of being further up the result sheet than we were last year.

"Obviously we know that it takes a lot of effort and it can throw anything at you.

"We had a solid result at Sandown, but we definitely know where we can improve in a few areas, so we head into Bathurst knowing we can move forward.

"We had a good car there last year. We had a couple of little issues in the race that hampered our speed, but we know had that not have happened we would have finished further up the order.

"I'm not looking back at last year. I'm certainly looking forward this year looking to get the best possible result we can."

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

After 24 races
1. Mark Winterbottom- 2215 points
2. Chaz Mostert- 2017
3. David Reynolds- 1855
4. Craig Lowndes- 1792
5. Fabian Coulthard- 1694
6. Garth Tander- 1634
7. Shane Van Gisbergen- 1620
8. Jamie Whincup- 1586
9. James Courtney- 1373
10. Rick Kelly- 1301 

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