Todd Kelly moves to Jack Daniels Racing
December 6th 2007 05:54
The first official team change for the 2008 V8 Supercar series has been announced with Todd Kelly moving from the Holden Racing Team to head the Jack Daniels Racing attack next season.
The former Holden Young Lion, who has also had a stint with the now defunct K-Mart Racing Team, was offered a place in this year’s championship winning Toll Dealer Team, an offer that was politely refused by the 28 year old Kelly. It’s understood that with HRT looking to snap up Garth Tander from the Toll team, Kelly was offered Tander’s position in a straight swap. Understandably, Kelly refused on the grounds that he would then be team mates with his younger brother in a team owned by his parents. A situation Todd has consistently stated he was not interested in being a part of.
With the offer from Larry Perkins on the table and speculation that Kelly was also being presented a drive on the dark side, to replace Russell Ingall at Stone Brothers Racing, Todd decided to stick with Holden and become the experienced mentor for young Shane Price at Jack Daniels Racing.
“A number of things are being considered at HRT which has enabled me to explore all the available options, and after 10 fantastic years I have decided it was time to accept a new challenge,” said Kelly. “You can’t help but grow close relationships with people you work so closely alongside for 10 years so I’m sure I will miss everyone at HRT, but it is time for a change of scenery.”
“I couldn’t be more excited; there’s huge potential in Jack Daniel’s Racing and Larry (Perkins) has offered me the opportunity to be more involved with the team and cars – which is what I really enjoy.
“The people within the team, and the enthusiasm between it and the sponsors is also exciting. The change has already reignited my passion and given me a new lease on life.”
Larry Perkins is understandably delighted to have signed a driver of Kelly’s calibre to replace his son Jack, who had to withdraw from competitive racing a few weeks ago after discovering he suffered from type 1 diabetes.
“Todd is a driver who has a rare mix of experience and technical ability and we are very happy to sign him,” Perkins said. “He’s someone who can contribute to the team and its performance both on and off the track, and he’s excited about working with us. I think he’ll fit in perfectly.”
Jack Daniel’s Australia Managing Director, Michael McShane, said Todd Kelly was an ideal addition to the Larry Perkins owned team.
“We are delighted to have secured a driver of Todd Kelly’s calibre; he fits our image and brand perfectly and will enable us to continue to promote our ‘Pace Yourself. Please Drink Responsibly” responsible consumption message which is the focus of our V8 Supercar sponsorship,” said McShane. “Todd is the new face of Jack Daniel’s Racing and we are looking forward to building the team around Todd and Shane Price and winning the Championship.”
All the best, Todd
With the offer from Larry Perkins on the table and speculation that Kelly was also being presented a drive on the dark side, to replace Russell Ingall at Stone Brothers Racing, Todd decided to stick with Holden and become the experienced mentor for young Shane Price at Jack Daniels Racing.
“A number of things are being considered at HRT which has enabled me to explore all the available options, and after 10 fantastic years I have decided it was time to accept a new challenge,” said Kelly. “You can’t help but grow close relationships with people you work so closely alongside for 10 years so I’m sure I will miss everyone at HRT, but it is time for a change of scenery.”
“I couldn’t be more excited; there’s huge potential in Jack Daniel’s Racing and Larry (Perkins) has offered me the opportunity to be more involved with the team and cars – which is what I really enjoy.
“The people within the team, and the enthusiasm between it and the sponsors is also exciting. The change has already reignited my passion and given me a new lease on life.”
Larry Perkins is understandably delighted to have signed a driver of Kelly’s calibre to replace his son Jack, who had to withdraw from competitive racing a few weeks ago after discovering he suffered from type 1 diabetes.
“Todd is a driver who has a rare mix of experience and technical ability and we are very happy to sign him,” Perkins said. “He’s someone who can contribute to the team and its performance both on and off the track, and he’s excited about working with us. I think he’ll fit in perfectly.”
Jack Daniel’s Australia Managing Director, Michael McShane, said Todd Kelly was an ideal addition to the Larry Perkins owned team.
“We are delighted to have secured a driver of Todd Kelly’s calibre; he fits our image and brand perfectly and will enable us to continue to promote our ‘Pace Yourself. Please Drink Responsibly” responsible consumption message which is the focus of our V8 Supercar sponsorship,” said McShane. “Todd is the new face of Jack Daniel’s Racing and we are looking forward to building the team around Todd and Shane Price and winning the Championship.”
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