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Rick Kelly has announced the immediate end of a 19-year stint as a full-time Supercars driver.
Kelly’s full-time Supercar career began in 2002, and she spent seven seasons as part of the Walkinshaw Holden empire.
That earned Bathurst 1,000 victories in 2003 and ’04 alongside Greg Murphy under the K-Mart Racing banner, as well as the ’06 championship at the renowned HSV Dealer Team.
He switched to his own Kelly Racing team in 2009, and the intervening years yielded only a handful of victories as the team switched from Holden to Nissan and, more recently, Ford.
The switch to this year’s Mustang failed to drastically improve Kelly’s results, finishing 16th in the championship, two places behind teammate Andre Heimgartner.
Kelly celebrating her 2006 title
Kelly Racing has yet to confirm a replacement for the 37-year-old ahead of the 2021 season, or whether Kelly will return as a co-driver.
“As the 2020 season draws to a close, so is my full-time Supercars driving career,” Kelly said in a statement.
“First of all, I loved the opportunity to drive the Castrol-backed Ford Mustang in its first year with Kelly Racing.
Kelly before his enduro debut in 2001
“There were many challenges presented in 2020 with COVID and the Mustang program in its infancy at Kelly Racing, which has made results on the track difficult at times.
“It has not been the end of a fairy tale that I would love to have dated, but I have to get off the merry-go-round at some point and personally I feel like now is the right time.
“While you always want to win as a driver, externally your results on the track have the biggest influence on your report card and, as you would expect from any athlete, I will leave wanting more.
“But one thing is for sure, I will walk away satisfied that I have always done my best and never give in, no matter how far away we are.
Celebrating Bathurst’s victory in 2003
“Overall, I am proud of what we have accomplished as a team over the last decade.
“We’ve worked tirelessly hard, we’ve worked directly with three different manufacturers and represent some of the most recognizable brands in the world, and we’ve delivered some great shows off the track, from creating a talent scout TV show to having photos of our fans. with us at Bathurst.
“I would like to thank the Kelly Racing team and also congratulate each and every member of the team for what they have been able to deliver this year. It has been nothing short of impressive.
“I would also like to thank all the previous team members that I have worked with over the last 20 years. I have worked with so many wonderful people in this sport.
Kelly’s last win came in 2018
“And many thanks to all the business partners who have supported me throughout my career, both in the past and in the present.
“One of the biggest contributors to our sport is the fans, and over the years I have enjoyed great friendships from loyal fans.
“Thank you to each and every one of you for supporting us through thick and thin, your loyalty and passion were always appreciated.”
“I’ve had a solid hustle for the past 20 years in motorsports, I’ve never stood still.
“So as far as what the future holds for me personally, as I move away from Kelly Racing, I will first take some time to reflect on my decision and then plan a solid attack in the next chapter of my life, whatever it may be. to be.”
Kelly at Bathurst in 2020, with co-driver Dale Wood
His brother and team owner Todd Kelly added: “Congratulations to Rick on an exceptional career.
“He has made a huge impact on the sport during his time as a driver and not only has he been successful on the track, but he has been a leader in both fan and sponsor engagement.
“Rick has also been a fantastic mentor to André and other young drivers with his approach to his role as a driver.
“It’s going to be very different not having Rick driving full time, yet everyone at Kelly Racing wishes Rick all the best for his future and congratulates him on a successful Supercars career.”
