Kelly withdrawn from Bathurst after heavy crash
Mason Kelly ruled out of Bathurst after practice crash
Kelly crashed heavily at Reid Park in Practice 2
Teammate and title contender Aaron Cameron topped session
Mason Kelly's Repco Bathurst 1000 campaign has come to an early end following the rising star's heavy crash during Thursday practice.
For the second time in two visits to the Mountain in 2024, second-generation racer Kelly crashed heavily before race day.
The 19-year-year hit the wall at Reid Park, with the impact ripping the left-right wheel off the #22 Ford Mustang. There was a positive for the team, however, with Aaron Cameron quickest.
Kelly, son of 2005 Bathurst winner Todd, copped a hit to the elbow and was winded, but managed to walk away from the car.
However, the car wasn't as lucky, with Kelly Racing later confirming the teenager will take no further part in the weekend, shrinking the field to 19 cars.
"Such a shame to confirm that Mason will be out for the weekend. His damage sustained in the practice incident at Reid Park is too much for the team to repair at the circuit," the team posted to social media.
"Mason is ok. He banged his elbow in the impact and was winded, but no major injury.
"We are beyond disappointed and thank Fletcher Insulation for its support, plus Mason's Mustang looked awesome.
"Our focus turns to Aaron and his #27 Mustang... hoping to keep him at the top of the timesheets."
Early in February's Thrifty Bathurst 500 season-opening weekend, Kelly crashed across the top of the Mountain, triggering lengthy repairs.
The #22 was rebuilt for the weekend's race, but sustained further damage in a Perth crash, before going up in flames in a dramatic fire.
The Dunlop Series returns to the track for Boost Mobile Qualifying at 9:30am AEDT, before Race 9 of the 2024 Dunlop Series begins at 3:20pm AEDT.
