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Mason Kelly set to make Supercars debut in Newcastle

Second-generation race driver Mason Kelly will make his Supercars debut at the Newcastle street track next week.

Kelly, 18, the son of 2005 Bathurst 1000 winner Todd will contest the Dunlop Super3 Series in a Nissan Altima.

Following a season driving in Sports Sedans last year, Kelly is set to drive the final chassis driven by Todd in his Supercars Championship career, KR 007, used during the 2017 title.

In fact, Kelly will make his debut at the same circuit his father finished his career at in 2017, driving KR 007.

The younger Kelly’s entrance into Supercars marks the return of Kelly Racing, which was founded by his father and uncle Rick in 2009. It ran successfully for 12 seasons before a merger and ultimate takeover by Grove Racing.

Mason has enjoyed a steady rise through the ranks of grassroots motorsport, including karting, Hyundai Excel and other state-level competition, but is excited to make the net step in his racing career.

“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,” said Mason Kelly.

“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.

“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 will act as team manager and mentor for Mason during the 2023 Super3 season starting at Newcastle.

“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,” said Todd Kelly.

“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.”

Kelly’s entry in the 2023 Dunlop Super3 Series will be supported by Castrol, GTS Freight Management, DWM Engineering, FWG, ACL, DC Plus Engineering and Navigator.

The Newcastle street race event kicks off the Repco Supercars Championship season on March 10-12.

All Super3 qualifying and race sessions will be broadcast live on Fox and Kayo.