RELIEVED PRESSURE AT NISSAN LEADS TO RESULTS

Rick Kelly’s optimism on Friday turned into a race victory on Saturday – Photo: InSyde Media

Despite Nissan pulling its support from his team, Rick Kelly’s optimism on Friday turned into a race victory on Saturday after an improved culture at the team due to a recent string of strong results.

“It has definitely improved and that makes me happy, and everyone in the team much happier because you put your heart and soul into this, so you want to see great results,” Kelly said.

“If you don’t get them [results] then it’s tough on everyone and it’s much easier to race at the front. At Phillip Island for myself and all the guys was so much easier, we made only three changes to the car, you’re not repairing damage, everything becomes much nicer and more enjoyable.”

A successful environment has occurred at the same time the team have made significant gains with the now five-year-old Altima.

“There obviously has been a fair few areas of focus but its just the whole package clicking,” Kelly explained.

“We’re very happy with a number of components of our race team and the personnel is one of the strong points, when we’re up the back we get our head down and make the most of it, but when we’re up the front we can deal with that situation very well.

“I’m very proud of that.”

A recent shift in the managerial roles due to his older brother Todd stepping down from driving and having a bigger role within the team has freed up Kelly to focus on his driving and has reduced the pressure of combining business and racing.

“Nick [Ryan] and Todd do a great job of relieving me from a lot of that to focus on the driving and a lot has changed over the last 12 months for me to be able to do that and there is a lot more motivation as well.

“I’m putting it to good use.”

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