Goodbye Kiss
SydneyV8 Supercar driver Nandi Kiss has withdrawn from active driving duties on theeve of the 2013 Dunlop Series.
Kiss,who spent seven years racing in the flourishing V8 Ute Series before making hisdebut in the Dunlop Series in 2012, cites growing business commitments behindhis decision to step from behind the wheel.
“Drivingthese cars requires total concentration and commitment that I was finding hardto maintain. With so much going on around me during the weekdays when it cameto race weekends I just couldn’t flick over to race mode and leave the pressuresof work behind,” Nandi concedes.
Kiss also believes that, with the benefit of hindsight, he probablyleft his entry into the world of Supercars too late.
“Without any regrets, looking back on it, spending 7 years in v8 utewas probably too long in the case of the skills you need to drive a v8supercar. I should have tried this earlier in my career.”
Whilst Kiss steps out of the driver’s seat however, he’s by no meansleaving the sport and will still field the #24 Holden, this time with versatileSydneysider Chris Alajajian sliding into the hot seat.
“Motorsport is still my passion,” he explains, “I’ll still be veryhands on with the racecar and will take on the role of Team Manager. I’ll be atall the rounds and giving Chris every level of support he needs to make a fistof 2013.”
Over the last few seasons in V8 Utes and the Dunlop Series Kiss hasintroduced and nurtured several sponsors to his racing efforts, and he’spleased to announce that those sponsors are continuing on in 2013.
“Our longtime sponsors Pacific Hoists, Hitachi Electric Chain Hoistsand JDN Air Hoists are excited to continue on with the team’s new direction andI know we’re going to enter a new level of competition and exposure for thosefine companies as reward,” believes Kiss.
Pacific Hoists CEO Richard Crake is upbeat also about the future.
“We’ve enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Nandi KissRacing over the last few seasons and I can see that things can only get betterwith Nandi managing the team and young Chris driving in 2013. We’re excitedabout the road ahead.”
Chris Alajajian comes into the NKR operation with a wide variety ofMotorsport experience, at a time when the team moves to a new motor program witha Kelly Racing powerplant slotted into the #24 car.
“I’ve watched Chris’ career with interest for some time,” explainsNandi, “he’s got a wealth of experience in so many forms of motor racing,including of course V8 Supercar Development Series. I’m really pleased to offerhim this opportunity to drive for us.”
Indeed Alajajian’s career spans some 16 years, during which he’sdriven karts, NZ Formula Challenge, extensive Production Car competitionincluding many class wins, Performance Car Racing, Formula Three, a brief stintin the Australian Rally Championship, MINI Challenge, V8 Supercars and even ayear in the now defunct A1 World Cup of Motorsport where he represented TeamLebanon.
With the season blast off at The Clipsal 500 at the end of the monthNandi Kiss Racing has much to do in a short space of time.
“It’s an exciting time for us,” smiles Kiss, “we’ve got an excitingnew driver, a new motor program, a wonderful sponsorship team behind us and fullseason ahead that promises some fantastic competition in the Dunlop Series. Ican’t wait to get started.”
