fullboost
06-12-07, 12:35 PM
Jack Daniel's Racing has signed leading Holden driver Todd Kelly to head its 2008 V8 Supercar campaign.
Kelly, 28, joins the Larry Perkins-owned team to drive alongside up and comer Shane Price after a decade with the Clayton-based Holden Young Lions, Kmart Racing and Holden Racing Teams.
"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. Since his series debut at Eastern Creek in 1999, Kelly has made 106 starts, recording 18 individual race and 9 championship round wins as well as 16 additional podium finishes, including victories in the 2003 Sandown and 2005 Bathurst enduros. He has finished in the top 10 in driver points in each of his seven fulltime seasons.
"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," said Kelly.
"I couldn't be more excited; there's huge potential in Jack Daniel's Racing and Larry 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."
Perkins said Kelly was the perfect fit for Jack Daniel's Racing.
"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."
Michael McShane, Jack Daniel's Australia Managing Director said he welcomed Todd Kelly to the 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."
Brown Forman Corporation is a diversified producer and marketer of quality beverage products, including Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Woodford Reserve, Tuaca and Chambord.
http://www.icnsport.com.au/images/jdr07_press_04.jpg
Kelly, 28, joins the Larry Perkins-owned team to drive alongside up and comer Shane Price after a decade with the Clayton-based Holden Young Lions, Kmart Racing and Holden Racing Teams.
"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. Since his series debut at Eastern Creek in 1999, Kelly has made 106 starts, recording 18 individual race and 9 championship round wins as well as 16 additional podium finishes, including victories in the 2003 Sandown and 2005 Bathurst enduros. He has finished in the top 10 in driver points in each of his seven fulltime seasons.
"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," said Kelly.
"I couldn't be more excited; there's huge potential in Jack Daniel's Racing and Larry 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."
Perkins said Kelly was the perfect fit for Jack Daniel's Racing.
"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."
Michael McShane, Jack Daniel's Australia Managing Director said he welcomed Todd Kelly to the 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."
Brown Forman Corporation is a diversified producer and marketer of quality beverage products, including Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Woodford Reserve, Tuaca and Chambord.
http://www.icnsport.com.au/images/jdr07_press_04.jpg