Kitome And Image Racing Welcomes Owen Kelly To Fujitsu Series In QLD

Kitome and Image Racing will welcome experienced V8 Supercar star Owen Kelly to the team as they prepare for round four of the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series this weekend (July 20-22) at Queensland Raceway (Ipswich, QLD).

Temporarily replacing their regular driver Terry Wyhoon, Melbourne-based Kelly will step aboard the #49 Lubrimaxx supported AU Ford Falcon for what will be the first outing in a two-round deal. Former Stone Brothers Racing crew chief Paul Forgie will also be present to help with the cars set-up and strategy, which will be invaluable given that the Falcon heralds a history of being the ex-Marcos Ambrose – Stone Brothers Racing car.

Having last raced at Queensland Raceway in the 2004 Konica Minolta Development Series, of which he won the round for Dick Johnson Racing, an updated engine package for this weekend’s round is set to help keep the car at the front of the field.

“Being an AU model, while most of the field are driving BA Falcon shells isn’t a concern at all for me,” said an upbeat Kelly.

“The updated engine will make the car faster and I feel I’m experienced enough to jump in and be on the pace straight away. We never go to a race meeting without wanting to win.”

Kelly has recently been running a select number of Late Model races in the American NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. But in his quest for valuable racing miles down under, he will return to the 3.12km track dubbed the “Paperclip” as preparation for his upcoming Sandown and Bathurst endurance drives later this year with Ford Performance Racing.

“Obviously these development series rounds will keep me race ready,” added Kelly.

“Getting the extra race mileage is always going to be a major boost and will keep my mind race sharp as well. Terry [Wyhoon] and I have known each other for a long time and I’m going to do my best to take the car to the front of the field for him and the team on Sunday.”

Meanwhile, Kitome and Image Racing’s Dean Neville (# 48 Kitome supported AU Ford Falcon) is hoping to turn around a frustrating season start. Yet to score championship points, Neville missed the last round at Winton Motor Raceway due to sponsorship commitments with the 2007 Variety Club Bash event. Dean is biting at the bit to get back into his car and will rely on his previous experience in the Australian Touring Car Challenge at the Queensland Raceway circuit to achieve his top 15 desired result.

“Ideally I’d like to see myself amongst the top 15 for the round,” Neville remarked.

“Having the same technical expertise accessible to both cars, plus Owen’s [Kelly] experience on board, we’re confident that overall we will be seeing some great results this round. Obtaining a top 15 result this weekend means our championship point’s chase can finally start and we will definitely be giving it our all.”

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