RICK KELLY: ‘I ALWAYS GAVE IT MY BEST’
Rick Kelly: “I always gave it my best” – Photo: LAT
Rick Kelly says he retires from full-time Supercars satisfied he always committed his best efforts and never gave up no matter how difficult the challenges.
By BRUCE NEWTON
Kelly has announced he will vacate the seat of the #15 Castrol Ford Mustang in 2021, although his intention is to continue on as a co-driver in endurance races.
Kelly’s announcement will increases speculation David Reynolds will move from Erebus Motorsport to take over the drive.
Kelly made his full-time debut in Supercars in 2002 representing the Holden Young Lions, He won the Bathurst 1000 in 2003 and 2004 with Greg Murphy for the K-Mart Racing Team and the 2006 V8 Supercars drivers’ championship for the HSV Dealer Team.
In 2009 he and brother Todd set up their own family-owned operation, Kelly Racing, and raced factory backed Nissan Altimas from 2013 TO 2019, making the swap to the Ford Mustang for this season.
But results have been hard to come by in recent years as the team struggled for competitiveness. Kelly most recently won in 2018 at Winton.
“It hasn’t been the fairy-tale ending that I would love to have gone out with, but I have to step off the merry-go-round at some point and I personally feel that the right time is now,” Kelly said in a statement.
“Whilst as a driver you always want to win, and externally your on-track results hold the biggest influence on your report card, and as you’d expect from any athlete, I’ll leave wanting more. But one thing’s for sure, I will step away satisfied with having always given my best and never giving in, no matter how far back we were.
“As a whole I’m proud of what we have achieved as a team over the last decade. We have relentlessly pushed hard, worked directly with three different manufacturers and represented some of the most recognised brands in the world, and delivered some great programs off the track, from creating a talent search reality TV show through to having pictures of our fans ride with us at Bathurst.”
Kelly admitted he was yet to decide what the next chapter of his life will look like.
“I have had a solid hustle over the past 20 years in motorsport, never really sitting still.
“So as far as what the future holds for me personally, as I step away from Kelly Racing I’ll firstly take some time to reflect on my decision and then go about planning a solid attack on the next chapter of my life, whatever that might be.”
Kelly made it clear his passion for driving still burned in his final season.
“I have really loved the opportunity to drive the Castrol-backed Ford Mustang in its first year with Kelly Racing. There were many challenges put forward in 2020 with COVID and the Mustang program in its infancy at Kelly Racing which both have made on track results tough at times.
“I’d like that thank the team at Kelly Racing, and also congratulate each and every team member for what they have been able to deliver this year. It’s been nothing short of impressive.
“I’d also like to thank all of the past team members that I have worked with over the last 20 years. I have worked with so many great people in this sport. And massive thank you to all of the business partners that have supported me throughout my career both past and present.
“One of the biggest contributors to our sport is the fans, and over the years I have enjoyed many great friendships from loyal supporters. Thanks to each and every one of you for having our back through thick and thin, your loyalty and passion was always appreciated.”
Kelly drove the Castrol Ford Mustang to 16th place in the 2020 Supercars championship, managing three sixth-place finishes as his best results across the 31 races. Team-mate Andre Heimgartner finished 14th in the Ned Whiskey Ford Mustang.
Todd Kelly, who retired from Supercars racing in 2017, praised his brother’s contribution and achievements.
“Well done to Rick on an outstanding career. He has had a big impact on the sport during his time as a driver and has not only had success on the track but been a leader in both fan and sponsor engagement,” he said.
“Rick has also been a fantastic mentor to Andre and other young drivers with his approach to his role as a driver. It’s going to be quite different not having Rick driving full time, however everyone at Kelly Racing wishes Rick all the best with his future and congratulates him on a successful career in Supercars.”
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