Roland Dane to oversee first enduro campaign with PremiAir Racing
Dane led Triple Eight to eight of its record 10 Bathurst wins
Dane stepped in to manage Triple Eight wildcard at 2022 Bathurst 1000
The Roland Dane era at PremiAir Racing is expected to shift gear in the upcoming Ryco Enduro Cup, with veteran co-driver David Russell excited to work with the former Triple Eight supremo.
Dane joined the Peter Xiberras-owned squad as Team Principal at the start of the season, having sat trackside in the garage for the final rounds of 2025.
The Irishman turned Triple Eight into a powerhouse across the 2000s and 2010s, and was at the helm for eight of the team's record 10 Bathurst 1000 victories.
PremiAir Racing has itself been strong in the enduros, with Russell partnering James Golding to great success. The Golding/Russell combination delivered PremiAir's maiden Supercars podium at the 2024 Sandown 500, before infamously fighting for victory in last year's Great Race.
The addition of Dane could put PremiAir in great stead should the Camaro team go one better in 2026, given his nous in pulling the key levers required to deliver results in the year's longest Supercars races.
When asked by Supercars.com if Dane's presence will be felt in the enduros, Russell replied: "Definitely procedurally.
"Within any team, if someone comes in of his background and experience of what he's achieved, it’s a big positive.
"He came from the outside in, and then saw how things are, and can implement changes for the betterment of the team and for everyone in a positive way.
"It's all about those procedures, and executing them correctly is what wins you races. Everyone's onboard."
Russell has been a revelation in recent years, helping Brodie Kostecki to three enduro podiums in four starts from 2021-2023 with Erebus Motorsport, before lifting PremiAir to new heights across the last two seasons.
The veteran, who has been staying sharp in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, could play a key role in propelling Jayden Ojeda into the Finals. It's the impact of Dane, though, who could have the biggest say on how PremiAir performs across The Bend and Bathurst.
“It’s nice to be back with PremiAir for a third year, it’s a great bunch of guys and girls,” Russell said.
“Having RD there in a permanent sense this year has definitely lifted the team. I look forward to being able to put our best foot forward for the enduros.
"Hopefully we can execute a good race come Sunday and then Bathurst as well, to deliver on the hard work that everyone's put in and get some decent results."
Track action at Tailem Bend will commence on Friday September 11.