Kelly Racing Team Boss and Partner in the Shannons Supercar Showdown project, Rick Kelly confirmed that Grant Denyer has ruled himself out of the starting line up in the Shannons-carsales.com.au Racing entry at next weeks Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.
As the 7mate TV Series reaches its final episode on Sunday, which will determine the driver who would have joined Denyer, the Team has now confirmed that 2011 Winner 18 year old Mildura ace Cameron Waters, will race back to back at Mount Panorama under the Shannons colours.
Following an exploratory operation last week, Medical specialists have advised Grant not to compete in this year's Bathurst 1,000, after he suffered bouts of chronic pain.
Despite plans to get some extra testing miles under his belt in the last week, a decision has been made for Denyer to call it quits on the 2012 Bathurst campaign.
I havent been able to sit in a V8 Supercar, let alone test this year, and Bathurst is the one place where you simply cant be underprepared physically or mentally.
While I am disappointed, until I can start training and regain my core strength, this is the only decision that is fair for the team. Rick and Todd have been great to work with and very understanding, and while I will certainly miss being on the grid at such a special event, this will give the team the best chance of a great result, Denyer explained.
From his spectacular success in the TV Series last year and Winning the 2012 Formula Ford Championship, Waters has been running in the DVS Championship this year under the Kelly teams Dreamtime Racing entry and has been testing recently in the Shannons-carsales.com.au car as a possible replacement for Denyer and will head to Bathurst on Tuesday with the TV Series winner and join the team lead by Barry Ryan.
Mark Behr, Marketing Manager of Shannons was keen to acknowledge Denyers solid contribution in the TV series and race team.
We are really keen for Grant to get his back issues sorted and have him back in pit lane sooner than later. Hes a great part of the Shannons Supercar Showdown family and we hope he can get to Bathurst regardless as our cameras will follow the dream of our Winner as they head to Mount Panorama. He has been a big part of the amazing ride.
"We are excited about having Cameron join the Winner of Sundays final TV episode. We are confident that Cameron and our Winner will deliver a solid result for Shannons-carsales.com.au especially with the dedicated team behind them. The TV Series is reaching a climax and its game-on. said Behr.
Waters co-driver will be revealed in the final episode of Shannons Supercar Showdown. Sunday 1pm on 7mate.
