Kelly Racing makes debut in series

KELLY RACING OPENS ITS DOORS FOR V8 SUPERCAR ASSAULT

NE of Australian sport's most ambitious projects was officially launched in Melbourne today when brothers Todd and Rick Kelly opened the doors on a new four-car V8 Supercar team.

Impressive state-of-the-art facilities in Braeside will be the home of two Jack Daniel's-backed Holden Commodores driven by the Kelly brothers, a Dodo-backed Holden driven by Jack Perkins and a fourth entry to be driven by Dale Wood.

The project comes after 10 years in the sport for the Kelly family and with the blessing and major support of Holden.

The move will make Todd and Rick Kelly the only owner-drivers in the series, which will consist of 14 championship venues this year throughout Australia, New Zealand and Bahrain.

"We are extremely excited to have built what we have from scratch by combining 10 years of family knowledge, some first class sponsorship partners and the passion and enthusiasm of the Kelly Racing employees," said Todd Kelly.

"Holden has been critical in the whole process and are providing significant support as we drive forward with all of our plans.

"The enthusiasm and morale around our race shop is just awesome and everyone is itching to get out on the race track.

"This is by far the most exciting time of my racing career and to put together what we have in a pretty short period of time is outstanding and an absolute credit to all our guys.

"Jack Daniel's is a fantastic company and brand to be in partnership with and to have solid support from Dodo for Jack (Perkins) is very pleasing this early in our development."

Rick Kelly believes this new concept is going to be a significant change for his career and one he cannot wait to tackle head-on.

"This is something very different from what I have been used to and it brings me to a new chapter in my career," said Rick Kelly.

"I am looking forward to being able to have more input and involvement in the day-to-day operations as well as race weekends.

"I think everyone involved in this program over the last few months has learnt a lot about teamwork and if the passion being shown behind the doors at Kelly Racing is any indication, then I think we are going to be competitive."

Holden Motorsport boss, Simon McNamara, said that Kelly Racing would give Holden fans plenty to cheer about throughout the year.

"Todd and Rick Kelly have been tremendous ambassadors for Holden, Holden Motorsport and our associated brands for many years," said McNamara.

"Both drivers have been successful in their own right and possess so many of the key elements needed to be successful in this business."

The Jack Daniel's Racing Holdens will hit the track at Winton in North-East Victoria tomorrow for a initial shakedown, while all four Kelly Racing entries will return for an official V8 Supercar test day on Monday, March 9.

-credit: kellyracing.com.au