V8 Supercars team Kelly Racing has announced a major change in its operations department.

The Victorian squad today confirmed that former performance director Tony Dowe has left the team, replaced by Australian Craig Spencer, who takes on a newly-created role as General Manager of Technical and Engineering Operations.

Spencer, who most recently held a senior engineering position in the Mercedes Formula 1 team, will begin with the team after the Sandown 500.

Spencer has worked for Team Lotus, Caterham and Jordan F1 teams, as well as the AMA Superbike Championship with Michael Jordan Suzuki. He is also no stranger to V8 Supercars, having worked for nine years in the sport, including with Rick Kelly during his 2006 championship success.

Team co-owner and driver Todd Kelly said that Spencer will be ideal to lead into the team’s next challenge as the factory Nissan Motorsport squad.

“Craig will bring significant relevant technical racing knowledge and practical know how to our team as we commence our build up to the 2013 Car of the Future Nissan,” Kelly said.

“Rick and I have always admired Craig’s talents and given the international experience he has gained at the elite end of European motorsport and F1, we know he will significantly lift the bar for our team and get into the action.”

Kelly also commented on Dowe’s resignation, stating his gratitude for his contribution to the team.

“We are grateful to Tony for all his efforts with the team over the last 11 months,” Kelly said.

“Tony brought with him a wealth of international experience and through his vast contacts secured a formidable International line-up for this year’s Gold Coast event and Jacques Villeneuve who currently replaces Murph while he is on the sidelines recovering from back surgery.”