Births on January 17

Rick Kelly, Australian race car driver

Rick Kelly, born on 17 January 1983, stands as a distinguished figure in Australian motorsport, recognized for his extensive and highly successful career as a professional racing driver. He primarily competed in the Supercars Championship, Australia’s premier touring car category, where he consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication throughout his tenure.

A Legacy of Wins: The HSV Dealer Team Era

A significant chapter in Kelly’s career unfolded with the HSV Dealer Team, an impactful period that saw him achieve some of his most iconic victories. In a remarkable display of endurance and teamwork, he secured back-to-back triumphs at the prestigious Bathurst 1000, often referred to as 'The Great Race', alongside legendary New Zealand driver Greg Murphy. These victories occurred in 2003 and 2004, solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor on the challenging Mount Panorama circuit. Building on this success, Kelly reached the pinnacle of Australian touring car racing in 2006 by winning the V8 Supercar Championship, the then-title of the Supercars series, for the HSV Dealer Team. This championship win cemented his status as one of the sport's elite drivers.

The Family Venture: Kelly Racing

The spirit of motorsport ran deep within the Kelly family. Rick's older brother, Todd Kelly, also forged a notable career as a professional racing driver, notably winning the Bathurst 1000 himself in 2005. In a pioneering move for the sport, their parents, John and Margaret Kelly, alongside Rick and Todd, established their own racing operation, Kelly Racing, in 2009. This venture was initially conceived with Rick and Todd serving as the team's lead drivers, embodying a true family effort at the highest level of Australian motorsport. The team quickly expanded its operations, growing from its foundational structure to become a competitive four-car outfit, demonstrating their ambition and commitment to the championship.

Rick Kelly concluded his illustrious full-time Supercars career at the end of the 2020 season, having last competed behind the wheel of the No. 15 Ford Mustang GT for Kelly Racing. The team itself later underwent significant evolution, eventually transitioning ownership and rebranding to Grove Racing, marking a new era while retaining some of the infrastructure built by the Kelly family.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rick Kelly

When did Rick Kelly retire from Supercars?

Rick Kelly concluded his full-time competitive career in the Supercars Championship at the end of the 2020 season.

Which major races did Rick Kelly win?

Rick Kelly famously won the Bathurst 1000 twice, in 2003 and 2004, both times partnering with Greg Murphy. He also secured the V8 Supercar Championship in 2006.

What was Kelly Racing, and who founded it?

Kelly Racing was a professional Supercars team founded in 2009 by Rick and Todd Kelly along with their parents, John and Margaret Kelly. It operated as a family-run outfit, initially with Rick and Todd as lead drivers, eventually expanding to a four-car operation before its later evolution into Grove Racing.

Is Rick Kelly related to Todd Kelly?

Yes, Rick Kelly is the younger brother of Todd Kelly, who was also a prominent Supercars driver and a Bathurst 1000 winner himself in 2005.