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New Kelly Grove Racing co-owner Stephen Grove wants to see his team raise the bar this year to build a strong foundation for the incoming Gen3 era of Supercars.
The Grove Group’s buy-in to what was previously known as Kelly Racing was announced last month, providing the Braeside operation with increased resources.
Grove quickly declared his intentions to build the commercial side of the business, while tech-savvy co-owner Todd Kelly continues to push on the performance front.
Their second season running Ford Mustangs will see David Reynolds fielded alongside incumbent Andre Heimgartner.
“For me this year it’s really about getting the whole team to gel – not saying that they don’t gel – but getting the whole team to gel and really lift that level, making sure our pitstops are right, making sure they have the infrastructure they need to get the job done,” Grove told Speedcafe.com.
“So the expectation is that everybody from drivers through to technical through to engineers through to mechanics, tyre changers, everyone performs at the highest level.
“That really puts us on a good footing for 2022; we’re really focused on 2022, we’re really focused on building the new car.
“So it’s just to get everybody to the next level across the whole facet.”
That focus on 2022, when Gen3 regulations will be introduced, will undoubtedly be helped by the financial clout the Groves bring to the table.
But even in the shorter term, Grove is determined to help build the right environment to get the best out of the likes of high-profile recruit Reynolds.
“I’ve known Dave a long time, just through Carrera Cup and through externally outside of racing,” said Grove.
“He’s a huge talent and my job will be to get the best out of that talent.
“To bring a guy like Dave to our team is something that is hugely important and now it is up to us as a team to build the environment around him to get the best from him because he’s a race-winner.
“If we can give him the tools that he needs, I have no doubt that he can place really highly in the championship.”
KGR is scheduled to hit the track this Friday for pre-season testing at Winton.
