Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport will field Karl Reindler and Aaren Russell in its two cars during opening V8 Supercars practice at Ipswich as the team evaluates its options for the Pirtek Enduro Cup.
While Brit Oliver Gavin is already locked in alongside Nick Percat, LDM has been chasing a second international co-driver to share with Tim Blanchard.
As previously reported, experienced campaigner Reindler and Dunlop Series youngster Russell are both in the frame for the seat should the international pursuit not pay off.
They will steer the Percat and Blanchard entries respectively in the opening 30 minute session, which was recently added to the schedule for any non-primary drivers.
Aside from internationals Gavin, Alex Buncombe (Nissan), Sebastien Bourdais (Walkinshaw) and Alex Premat (Volvo), a full field of co-drivers is expected to front.
Macauley Jones will again turn laps in Dale Wood’s Brad Jones Racing Holden and is expected to take what is the only yet to be confirmed co-drive outside that at LDM.
While 23-year-old Russell is, like Jones, pushing for his first V8 Supercars Championship start, former full-timer Reindler hopes to return for a seventh endurance assault following a one-year hiatus.
Reindler currently combines a part-time role as CAMS driver development manager with a multitude of driver training jobs, but has raced just a handful of times since completing the 2013 Enduro Cup with Nissan.
“They (LDM) are still figuring out what they want to do, but I’ve made my intentions clear,” Reindler told Speedcafe.com.
“I’m hungrier than ever and feel like to a certain degree I’ve got some unfinished business in the championship.
“The birth of my daughter was a big reason for not pursuing the enduros last year and unfortunately it’s the nature of this industry that if you miss one year of enduro racing you fall off the radar very quickly.
“At the moment it’s just the drive on Friday and if it resulted in the gig for the enduros I’d be super excited.”
Reindler undertook a seat fitting at LDM last Friday and says he’s been keeping a close eye on the squad’s improvements under team manager Barry Hay.
“Baz has come in and done wonders with the team and together with Lucas they’ve got a clear vision,” he said.
“They’ve got good equipment and good people now. The ingredients are there for a good crack at it.
“It’s not going to happen overnight, but when you look at what Nick’s been able to do this year, they’re kicking goals as a smaller operation and I’d love to be a part of it.”
Now 30, Reindler’s ambition is to re-establish himself as a regular V8 Supercars co-driver, as well as competing full-time in another category.
Having last year raced in both the Bathurst 12 Hour and Phillip Island 101 aboard a Ginetta, Reindler nominates the Australian GT Championship as a potential future home.
“I don’t think it’s realistic to be back in the main series full-time and having a little one at home has probably changed my perspective on that,” he said.
“But I definitely miss the pressure and intensity of V8 Supercars and to do it for three events as the co-driver I think is the best of both worlds.
“I think it makes sense if you are aligned with a team for the enduros to be competing and racing in something as well,” he added.
“I love the GT Championship and have had the odd steer here and there and am talking to people about it.
“I’ve certainly got my feelers out for next year.”
Reindler will this weekend combine LDM practice duties with his ongoing role as Driving Standards Observer for the CAMS Jayco Australian Formula 4 Championship.