Photo: Kelly Racing

Kellys to bow out of Supercars team ownership

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Rick and Todd Kelly are to bow out of Supercars team ownership after taking the decision to sell the remaining 50% stake of their family team.

The brothers – who have owned the team for 13 years – will see the stake to the Grove Group, which invested in the Ford squad earlier in the year.

The team has run under the Kelly Grove Racing banner this season as a result, with Grove now taking control at the end of the year when the deal is concluded.

“Racing has been our life since Rick, and I were around eight years old,” Todd Kelly said

“We have been very fortunate to have been part of the premier category in the country for such a long period. Being part of such an intense business is something that I will genuinely miss. But now is the time to hand over the reins to Stephen and Brenton Grove.”

Kelly Racing initially ran Holden machinery before introducing the Nissan Altima into the the series. After the end of backing from Nissan, the team continued to run the Altima before making a switch to the Ford Mustang it has campaigned in recent seasons.

“Over the years, we have done an incredible amount of engineering and manufacturing work initially with the Holdens then the design and production of the Nissan Altima and Nissan VK50 quad-cam Supercar engine and then again with the conversion to Mustang,” Kelly continued. “We have always had pride in doing everything in house ourselves and doing the best possible job of designing and producing our equipment.

“Although we have achieved quite a lot through sheer hard work, the biggest challenge we have had over the years has been the resources to take it to the big teams. I’m genuinely excited to watch the team grow with the firepower and resources of the Groves behind it.”

“Kelly Racing will retain full ownership of the team CNC machine shop, the engine department and all production departments as well as the current Mustangs. I will still be working hard in the background in 2022 to continue maintaining and developing the current package for the team.”

Brother Rick said he was confident that the team would be left in good hands with its new owners.

“I’m excited for what the future holds for the team as the Groves take it into the future,” he said. ”I have appreciated working with such a great bunch of guys and girls, building many great working relationships and friendships along the way.

“I want to thank each and every team member, both current and those who have worked with us along the way, for their efforts and dedication shown towards Todd, myself, and our team.”

“I’m very grateful for my time in Supercars, both as a driver and team owner. Through this time, I had the chance to be a part of many great things both on the track and off, and have learnt so much which I believe will position me well in attacking future projects in other industries.

“I’d like to thank our fans and supporters for being a part of the journey with us, and I look forward to continuing that relationship and sharing my future ventures and projects.”