Jack Daniels team ready for 2008
The arrival of V8 Supercar star Todd Kelly to partner Shane Price in the Jack Daniel’s Racing VE Commodores has brought a new and exciting element to one of the most established V8 Supercar teams in pit lane, owner Larry Perkins said at his team’s 2008 season launch in Melbourne today.
The recruitment of 28-year-old Kelly from the factory Holden Racing Team marks a significant change in direction for the team.
Larry Perkins’ intent to continue his policy where he embarked on a rookie development policy in 2007 by promoting drivers Price and Larry’s son Jack Perkins from the category’s second-tier development series. Unfortunatly Larry was thwarted when Jack was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes near the end of the season and elected to stand down from the main series.
“I stand by my decision to run two rookies in Shane and Jack last year – we knew it was going to be tough, but that’s what you have to do for young guys to gain experience,” he said “It was only circumstances with Jack’s diabetes that changed that plan.”
With an unexpected seat to fill, Larry Perkins moved quickly. “When we found out Todd was available we jumped at the chance and we’re delighted to have him on board,” Perkins said.
“There are few top-shelf drivers with the ability that Todd has, an ability to understand the entire process and work on the car.
“In the short time he’s been here you can’t help but notice Todd lives and breathes racing, and his enthusiasm is incredible. It’s a pleasure having him around.”
Kelly, the winner of the 2005 Bathurst 1000 and points winner of last year’s Clipsal 500, said after five years with HRT he was excited by the prospect of fresh start in very different surroundings.
“It’s been exactly what I was looking for and exactly what I expected,” he said. “It’s a completely different atmosphere to what I have been used to. It’s a lot smaller, a lot more of a family, a fairly tight-knit team with great morale.
“I’ve been spending a lot of time at the workshop, and everyone has been welcoming of my input and ideas. We’ve been having fantastic discussions and debates and it’s just been a good change and great atmosphere so far.
“The great thing is, in those sheds all everyone needs to worry about is making the Jack Daniel’s Commodores go faster, the guys don’t have distractions. When I come in and have an idea they have the time to talk it through.
“More importantly, they’ve got the time to design, manufacture and develop parts and get them on the car, and that’ll be evolving right through the year. The possibilities with what we can do with the cars are endless.”
Perkins welcomed the return of 22-year-old Price for his second season in the main series. “We’re thrilled that Shane’s continuing,” he said. “He’s a tremendous young bloke with a lot of talent. With Todd coming on board, this year he’s got some very strong footsteps to follow in and you’re going to see a huge improvement.”
The impact of Kelly’s arrival has not been lost on teammate Price. “I can’t wait, especially going into my second season with what I consider to be one of the best guys out there,” he said.
“Todd’s 100% willing to teach me most of the things he knows to bring me up to speed so we can work together at getting up to the front end of the field.
“It’s going to be a massive advantage to have Todd there and an advantage for Jack as well. Having someone like Todd to talk to will fill in a lot of gaps from last year and take huge chunks out of the learning curve. I’m touching wood at this stage that we definitely do make big improvements.”
How big? “I’m hoping to not be out of the top 20 in terms of race finishes,” Price said.
“That would be disappointing, but I want to be pushing top 10s. I don’t like to speak too soon but I think that’s very realistic and possible.”
Kelly said was “not into making bold predictions”. “I’m not going to say we’re going to put the car on pole and win first time out in Adelaide,” he said
“We’ll find out when we test and in Adelaide what our pace is, and hopefully it’ll be pretty good. Importantly, we’ve got the tools to evolve and improve so by the end of the year my goal is that we’re in a strong position to win races.
“I know what we’re capable of; it’s just a question of how long it all takes.”
While the support of sponsors including Jack Daniel’s and Holden remains unchanged, a revised livery featuring white and grey accents matched with the team’s trademark black paintwork lends a fresh feel to the team for fans.
“The cars look terrific, they’re hot,” Kelly said. Price, who has driven predominantly black Perkins Commodores for the past two seasons, agreed: “I really like it; I think we were due for a change. You can’t stay with the one thing forever.”
Larry Perkins, however, knows that when you are on a good thing, you stick with it.
“I believe we have the best sponsors in pit lane – and most definitely with Jack Daniel’s. This is our third year with them and our association keeps getting stronger,” he said.
“This is also my 31st year with Holden and I’m pleased our strong association continues. I started racing Holdens in 1977, while Perkins Engineering has had a Holden contract since 1986 – that’s 22 years in itself.”
The partnering of Todd Kelly and Shane Price along with the unveiling of new livery also provides the opportunity to further reinforce the ‘Pace Yourself. Drink Responsibility’ message which is the core element of the Jack Daniel’s Racing Platform said Jack Daniel’s Australia Managing Director, Michael McShane.
“The ability to have high profile sportsman in Todd Kelly and Shane Price, together with Larry Perkins, to assist in promoting the importance of drinking responsibly is critically important and we are thrilled to reinforce this message through our very successful association with Perkins Motorsport and their many committed employees,” McShane said.
