KELLY Racing is officially back, with the son of 2005 Bathurst 1000 winner Todd Kelly confirmed to make his Super3 debut next week at Newcastle.
Mason Kelly will drive the Nissan Altima in which Todd finished his Repco Supercars Championship career at the 2017 Newcastle 500.
He joins a Super3 field filled with up-and-coming talents such as Jett Johnson, Cameron McLeod, Jobe Stewart and Matthew McCutcheon.
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The 18-year-old has been gradually building experience aboard KR007 and last month made his Mount Panorama debut, racing a MARC Mazda 3 in the Combined Sedans category at the Bathurst 12 Hour.
“I’ve done a few races in a MARC car and a few test days in the Altima, but to make a race start on the Super3 grid will definitely be a new experience,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to it, but I’m not going into Newcastle with any expectations. My focus is to finish all the sessions, improve as the weekend goes along and bring the car back with no damage.
“Because we haven’t been to Newcastle for a few years, I don’t think many people on the Super2 or Super3 grid will have been to the track before.
“You could expect some carnage over the weekend, but I just want to stay out of trouble.
“It’s weird how it worked out – same car and same event as dad’s last Supercars race. I was there for that race and I’m glad he is going to be looking over my shoulder for my first race.
“I’m incredibly grateful for our friends and sponsors who have come onboard to make it possible. It’s going to be a great experience.”
For Kelly Sr, it means a return to the Supercars paddock after just one season away.
Beyond his retirement from driving, he had been present as a co-owner of the team now known as Grove Racing.
“I wasn’t expecting to get back into Supercars so quickly,” Todd admitted.
“It was a short-lived retirement from pit lane, but I definitely have a good reason for it.
“Mason has progressed well in his racing. He really impressed us with his level-headed attitude all the way through his racing so far.
“We have everything we need to give Mason a good shot at it.
“The infrastructure from the old Kelly Racing is all there to run a Super3 team, and with the help of some good friends, we are just going to get him out there and see how we go.
“Personally, it’s very exciting. My little guy is making his Supercars debut. I remember making my Supercars debut. It’s a big moment, and we know that he is ready for this next step.”
Mason will run #22 – the number used by Todd during his final four seasons (2004-07) at the Holden Racing Team.
