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Kelly Racing is evaluating the driver and sponsorship combination for its #16 entry in 2011.
With drivers and sponsors locked in for three of its four cars for next year, the Braeside-based team is looking at a number of options for its fourth entry, currently driven by West Australian Tony Ricciardello.
Pit lane rumour has suggested that if there’s change in the driver’s seat, David Reynolds is the man in line to drive the #16 Commodore VE entry next year.
Reynolds partnered Will Davison in the #22 Toll Holden Racing Team Commodore VE at Bathurst, going within a few laps of a podium finish before Davison crashed heavily at Sulman Park.
Team owner/driver Rick Kelly told Speedcafe.com.au that whatever the decision they make on the driver, improving the team as a whole is the priority.
“We’re looking to take steps up on both sides of the garage next year,” he said.
“I think the results that we’re getting in the Jack Daniel’s garage need improvement, and so do results with Kelly Racing garage. At the moment, we’ve thrown a lot at Tony, and he’s put in a lot of effort to do better.
“We still have a few rounds to get it as good as it can be.
“No matter how steady the team is, you always speak to a few people, and we’ve got to make the best decision to put the best people in there.”
The Kelly team’s commercial manager Nick Ryan said that its 2011 plans look positive.
“Commercially, things will take another step up again next year,” Ryan told Speedcafe.com.au.
“There are a couple of pieces to the puzzle that need to be finalised. Things are certainly moving along extremely well and very positively for us. I’d imagine in the not too distant future that things will be locked away.
“We’re still working well with Tony, and we’re still to review what we want to do going forward. For me, it’s all about finding the dollars. There’s been a lot of interest in the team as we head into our third season.”
