HE knows his Nissan Altima lacks the pace of other cars on the grid and that he will not be amongst the favourites for this year's Bathurst 1000, but Rick Kelly is still planning to have fun at Mount Panorama.
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The now 36-year-old has learned a lot since he made his Great Race debut in 2001 - he has learned from his successes as a two-time Bathurst 1000 victor and learned from the years when he left the Mount disappointed.
One of the more important lessons Kelly has been taught is that if he can enjoy an event, it counters some of the pressures that come with contesting the iconic 161-lap enduro.
"One thing I want to do is get to Bathurst this year and enjoy it, it can be a hard thing to do when you're challenged for outright pace and you're not coming in as one of the top five or 10 favourites because of the package that we've currently got," he admitted.
"It's difficult to enjoy it because you put a lot of pressure on yourself, but that's the aim this year, just to come in and enjoy it and get the most out of it. That's easier said than done, but we'll keep focusing on that."
An element which Kelly feels will help that enjoyment factor his his co-driver Dale Wood.
Though Wood has done three previous campaigns with Kelly's team - 2009, 2010 and 2016 - this is the first time the duo will share a seat.
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"I'm good mates with Dale away from racing, he's driven in our team before and knows our crew which is really good," Kelly said.
"But he also brings a good attitude and a lot of fun as well. We are going there for serious business and going there to get a good result, but it really helps if you've got someone who brings a bit of fun and enjoyment to your job as well.
"I think that's a key element of our approach this year and our car crew, that we've got that on our side. That we can do a really good job and enjoy everyone's company at the same time.
"I guess it's a little bit of an anxious time because it's an event which means so much, but I am looking forward to it."
The first practice session of this year's Bathurst 1000 will commence at 9.55am on October 10 while the race itself starts 11.30am on October 13.
