Kelly Racing has confirmed it will scale down to two cars and run Ford Mustangs, partnering with Ford and Ford Performance in the process.
The confirmation will also see Kelly Racing run an in-house engine program.
It is thought Rick Kelly and Andre Heimgartner will pilot the entries, leaving Simona De Silvestro and Garry Jacobson searching for new drives.
Speedcafe.com understands the squad has sold its two Racing Entitlements Contracts to Matt Stone Racing and Team 18 with entries for next season set to be lodged on Friday.
The announcement also confirms the team intends to join the Dunlop Super2 Series with a two car effort for its ageing Nissan Altimas.
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The move to downsize is a major moment for Kelly Racing, which has run four entries in Supercars since it emerged in 2009 when it campaigned Holdens before reintroducing Nissan to the sport in 2013.
“We are excited for the future now we have confirmed the team will run Ford Mustangs in 2020,” said team co-owner Todd Kelly.
“After 11 seasons in Supercars we step into a Ford Mustang that is a proven race winner and will provide us with our best opportunity for success in the future.”
“In this competitive environment it has necessitated a reconsideration of our structure to create the optimal model for the future.
“This has resulted in our consolidation and focus on two Supercars for the 2020 season and our intention includes running two Dunlop Super2 entries from next year.”
Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO and president Kay Hart added: “We’re so glad to have Kelly Racing bringing two additional Mustang Supercars to the grid, giving our fans more great news on the back of a fantastic 2019 season so far.”
“Having more Mustangs racing next season is a reflection of the team’s hard work and the success of the program so far.”
Ford Performance is looking forward to building on its Supercars commitment that sees the operation already working with DJR Team Penske and Tickford Racing.
“Working with Kelly Racing builds on the already fruitful partnership we have with DJR Team Penske and Tickford Racing,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports.
“Kelly Racing has an impressive pedigree in terms of both engineering and their driver talent, and we see its switch to Mustang as an opportunity to combine their highly skilled outfit with Ford Performance DNA.”
The news means only two manufacturers will be represented in Supercars as the series reverts to its traditional Holden versus Ford roots.
As a result, there will be eight Mustang on the 2020 grid.
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