Rick Kelly has cut his first laps in a Supercar today since announcing his full-time retirement late last year, as part of a Kelly Grove Racing ride day.
His return to the race track comes after Andre Heimgartner suffered two fractures in his hand while competing in the Castrol Toyota Racing Series.
The Supercars veteran of 19 seasons drove the #7 Ned Racing entry in the absence of Heimgartner, who is in the midst of a four-week recovery.
Kelly, who won the 2006 championship, has been rumoured to make a return to the Repco Supercars Championship as a co-driver.
However, today’s on-track appearance at Phillip Island isn’t necessarily indicative of the 38-year-old making a racing return in this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000 according to the team.
Kelly has signed a contract to be the team’s designated test and ride day driver for 2021.
Accompanying Kelly at the ride day today was David Reynolds in the #26 Penrite Racing entry, sharing driving duties with recently announced co-driver Luke Youlden.
Walkinshaw Andretti United, Tickford Racing, and the Blanchard Racing Team were also in attendance at the ride day.
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