Photo: TCR Australia

Molly Taylor secures Kelly Racing seat

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Molly Taylor has become the first driver confirmed by Kelly Racing for the inaugural TCR Australia Series season.

The 30-year-old will be at the wheel of a Subaru WRX STI in what will be her first true assault on circuit racing, having spent her career on rally stages – winning the 2016 Australian Rally Championship.

Taylor, who competes for the factory-backed Subaru do Motorsport team in the ARC, has previously sampled the Subaru TCR machine during a trip to Italy and will make her race debut in the car when the new season kicks off in Sydney later this month.

Prior commitments with her rally campaign mean Taylor will only be able to contest the opening five meetings, with a substitute driver being required for the events at Sandown and The Bend.

“This is an exciting opportunity for me and I’m extremely grateful to Kelly Racing for giving me the chance to make my circuit racing debut this year,” Taylor said. “Rallying has always been my passion. I grew up around it and it continues to consume me everyday, but I’m always up for a new challenge.

“TCR is something that I have been interested in, particularly when the Subaru WRX STI was introduced to the series.

“While I was in Europe late last year, I had the opportunity to drive one of the Subaru TCR cars and it was an awesome experience. I know I’ll have a lot to learn, switching my rally style to circuit racing, but having the support of the Kelly Racing team is going to be a huge advantage. The team is very experienced in touring car racing and I know they are going to get the best out of me.

“I really can’t wait to get into the WRX again for the test and to be as prepared as I can for the first round at Sydney Motorsport Park.”

Team owner Todd Kelly said he was delighted to bring Taylor onboard as the first driver for the TCR programme.

“Kelly Racing is very excited to confirm that Molly will drive one of our Subarus in the TCR Australia Series,” he said. “You don’t win the Australian Rally Championship by accident. Molly is a serious motorsport talent and we are looking forward to transferring her rally speed into circuit racing speed.

“She has already tested one of the cars, so that is a huge bonus for us. It will give all of us a slight advantage as we head into our first test and the opening round in Sydney.”