Since stepping into Late Models three seasons ago, Shaun ‘Titan’ Kelly is well and truly on his way to becoming one of Tasmania’s genuine contenders, evidenced by recent performance at Hobart Speedway where he picked up his maiden feature-race victory.
Having commenced his speedway career aboard an LJ XU1 Street Stock before moving into Super Sedans in the late 1990s, Kelly’s transition into Late Models also came off the back of a six-season stint in AMCA Nationals where he’d proven himself as a regular front-runner.
One of the first drivers to become involved in the Late Models class, which only created a foothold for itself in Tasmania in the 2016-17 season, the Hobart-based racer, who is currently on the eve of his 51st birthday, spent his debut season learning as much as he could about the Tas # 0 Ultimate Subaru Spares supported Rocket car that he’d purchased from Western Australia during practice runs and demonstrations.
Despite his limited experience, having only contested four race meetings last season and another four so far this season, Kelly was in strong form during his recent outing on home soil at the Hobart track, qualifying on the outside of the second row for the 20-lap feature race, before taking control of the lead at the halfway mark and going on to record his first ever Late Model win.
“We’ve been improving lately on finding pace in a range of track conditions, so it’s great to see that pay off and give us our first win,” explained Kelly, whose career in motorsport also includes racing a HQ Holden in numerous Commodore Cups and national championships.
“I’ve got an amazing team of people behind me who work very hard to give me such a great car, and this win is a result of all of that hard work.”
Extremely grateful for the wealth of support behind him, Kelly also acknowledges five friends – Shane Ashlin, Jake Crawford, Russ Turner, Dion ‘Loops’ Hardy and Mick Smith – each of whom played an important part in both his racing and his life, and who have since passed away.
“Each of these people had a huge impact on me as a person and as a driver. I’m racing in memory of each of them and it was special to be able to dedicate this win to them as well,” he added.
The final 2018-19 season outing for Kelly will be this Saturday night at Hobart Speedway.
Kelly would like to thank the following 2018-19 season sponsors for their support:
Ultimate Subaru Spares
Ed Development
Wells Body Works
Howell Automotive
Reggie’s Motortech
LifeVantage Australia
La Bella Pizza
Angryman Photography
Indian Motorcycle Tasmania
Special thanks go to Brendon, Drew, Rob, Aaron, Angela, and Nic.
To find out more about Kelly and his team, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Team Titan Racing.
