Pretty good line-up, as Rick joins big brother
26/7/2001 10:03 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Rick Kelly, younger brother of Shell Series campaigner Todd, will share the second K-Mart Racing Team Commodore with Nathan Pretty at the Queensland 500 and Bathurst 1000, the team announced yesterday.
It is 18-year-old Kelly’s first V8 Supercar call-up; graduating from Formula Ford and Holden. Together with Pretty, an endurance racer for the Holden Racing Team/Holden Young Lions last year, Team Manager Rob Crawford says the pair compliments the lead car of Greg Murphy and Todd Kelly.
“Rick is a tremendous talent who has an incredible future ahead of him and we are delighted to have him join our team," Crawford said.
“The last two seasons have been hectic and eye-opening for Rick and these races will be just the same. He will have a lot to learn, but I am sure he will acquit himself well and the experience gained will be extremely valuable for the remainder of his career.
“Nathan’s signing is the reward for both his recent testing performances (at Calder Park Raceway earlier this month) and his proven results with the Young Lions squad during last year’s races.
“Nathan filled (that) role superbly, doing everything that was asked and not putting a foot wrong in extremely difficult circumstances.”
Kelly’s recruitment completes a meteoric rise for the young Victorian and is deserved recognition of his rookie achievements in Formula Holden (under the Holden Young Lions banner) this year.
“Winning a seat with one of the series’ best teams for the biggest races of the year is a dream come true,” Kelly said, “and being able to race alongside Todd in the same team is a huge bonus.
“While Todd will be taking notice of what I’m doing, I’m sure he will be concentrating more on his own efforts. But any help and advice from him will certainly be appreciated.”
Rick has the full support of big brother Todd, who said; “I’ll have plenty to do myself, but don’t worry, I’ll be watching Rick, that’s for sure!
“Actually, I think Rick will be fine. He’s a very good driver and will do well. There’s also plenty of experience within the team and, if it’s needed, he’ll be able to get the right advice at the right time. I am really looking forward to racing alongside him.”
Pretty is keen to get back behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar after coming so close to the Queensland 500 podium last year. He later went on to finish fifth at Bathurst with Todd Kelly.
“The team’s speed during the season to date show their competitiveness and they’re giving me a wonderful opportunity to back-up last year’s results,” Pretty said.
“I cannot tell you enough how excited I am about that and how I am looking forward to taking part in the most important part of the season with them.”
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