Second-generation Kelly to make Supercars debut

Second-generation racer Mason Kelly will make his Supercars racing debut in this year’s Dunlop Series.

Kelly, 18, will race a Nissan Altima in the Super3 category from next weekend’s Thirfty Newcastle 500.

The teenager is the son of Todd Kelly, who won 19 races — including the 2005 Bathurst 1000.

Mason will drive the KR 007 Altima his father raced in his final Supercars appearance — coincidentally, in Newcastle in 2017.

The Kelly Racing name also returns to Supercars, with the family running a main game team between 2009 and 2021 before it was taken over by Grove Racing.

Todd will be Team Manager, as well as mentor for his son.

Mason will carry the #22 his father used during his time with the Holden Racing Team between 2004 and 2007.

The Altima will carry backing from Castrol, GTS Freight Management, DWM Engineering, FWG, ACL, DC Plus Engineering and Navigator.

“I’ve done a few races in a MARC car and a few test days in the Altima, but to make a race start on the Super3 grid will definitely be a new experience,” the teenager said.

“I’m really looking forward to it, but I’m not going into Newcastle with any expectations.

"My focus is to finish all the sessions, improve as the weekend goes along and bring the car back with no damage.

"Because we haven’t been to Newcastle for a few years, I don’t think many people on the Super2 or Super3 grid will have been to the track before.

"You could expect some carnage over the weekend, but I just want to stay out of trouble.

“It’s weird how it worked out – same car and same event as dad’s last Supercars race. I was there for that race and I’m glad he is going to be looking over my shoulder for my first race.

Mason and Todd after the latter's retirement in 2017

“I’m incredibly grateful for our friends and sponsors who have come on board to make it possible. It’s going to be a great experience.”

Todd added: "I wasn’t expecting to get back into Supercars so quickly. It was a short lived retirement from pit lane, but I definitely have a good reason for it.

“Mason has progressed well in his racing. He really impressed us with his level headed attitude all the way through his racing so far.

“We have everything we need to give Mason a good shot at it.

"The infrastructure from the old Kelly Racing is all there to run a Super3 team, and with the help of some good friends, we are just going to get him out there and see how we go.

“Personally, it’s very exciting. My little guy is making his Supercars debut. I remember making my Supercars debut. It’s a big moment, and we know that he is ready for this next step.”

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship and Dunlop Series will commence at the Thrifty Newcastle 500 on March 10-12.

Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.