Pilatus backing for Kelly at Clipsal 500
26 Feb 2015
Todd Kelly will combine two of his great loves - aircrafts and race cars - at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide this weekend.
The former Adelaide and Bathurst 1000 winner will compete at the famous South Australian street circuit with the backing of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd on his #7 Nissan Altima V8 Supercar.
With a decade of flying experience, Kelly has gained aviation qualifications that permit him to operate at the same flight levels as domestic air carriers.
While Kelly will aim to keep his Nissan Altima V8 on the ground this weekend, the short-term deal with Pilatus is a valued addition to the Nissan Motorsport squad.
"It's great to have Pilatus on board for the Clipsal 500 weekend," Kelly said.
"The first taste of a Pilatus for myself was about 10 years ago when I had a flight in a RAAF Pilatus PC-9 Roulette over Phillip Island.
"I've been working with the guys there for a few months now to get endorsed on the Pilatus PC-12 - which is one of the most versatile aircraft available today.
"It's fantastic that Nissan Motorsport is involved with Pilatus - one of the most well respected and innovative brands in aviation."
As a local Adelaide company, PIlatus is proud to be part of the Clipsal 500,according to Pilatus Australia CEO Sebastian Lip.
"Todd Kelly has had a long association with Pilatus and we're proud to be associated with one of the best drivers and teams in the field,"Lip said.
"Not only do we manufacture the Pilatus PC-9 aircraft that the Roulettes fly but we also supply Pilatus PC-12 aircraft to the Royal Flying Doctor Service who are based here in Adelaide."
"Todd has an impressive history at Clipsal having won here in 2007. We're certainly looking forward to a successful race this weekend."
Kelly will drive one of four Nissan Altima V8s at the famous Adelaide Parklands street course, alongside his factory team-mates Rick Kelly, Michael Caruso and James Moffat.
The V8 Supercars hit the circuit tomorrow at 9.05am (Adelaide time) for the first of three practice sessions before two qualifying sessions at 3.35pm and 4pm at the Clipsal 500.
