Todd Kelly says that an experienced local driver will be his most likely replacement for the final four events of the V8 Supercars Championship.
The Jack Daniel's Racing driver confirmed on Wednesday that he will miss the Gold Coast, Abu Dhabi, Winton and Sydney events due to a shoulder operation that he will undergo this coming Tuesday.
The injury was sustained during the Kelly Racing team's traditional pre-season training camp.
CLICK HERE for Speedcafe.com's breaking news story on Kelly's injury.
While he is fit to compete in the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 this weekend, Kelly is on the look out for a replacement, and says that he will analyse each co-driver's performance at the mountain to select the best candidate for the #7 entry.
“For me, the best bet for the second half of the year is to get an experienced local that knows the cars really well,” Kelly told Speedcafe.com.
“We're yet to have a solid run with two cars, so won't rush into the decision. It will be good to evaluate all of the drivers at the end of the weekend and see who is doing what.”
Kelly said that his since the announcement, his phone has hardly stopped ringing.
“Anyone that's not doing anything on those weekends is a chance, and I can tell you, my phone has been running hot,” he said.
The decision that the Kellys make will have to be cleared by principal sponsor Jack Daniel's, with the region's boss Marshall Farrer coming to Bathurst this Sunday to watch the race.
“We've got the boss of Jack Daniel's coming to the track on Sunday,” Kelly said.
“He'll be in the garage for half a day, so we'll get through the weekend and have a chat to him.”
The V8 Supercars return to the track today for two more practice sessions ahead of the qualifying at 1445.
See below for Speedcafe.com's Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Race Guide.