Todd Kelly Re-Signs for HRT

Kelly's signing firms up his continued future with Holden, as well as ending speculation he may be the driver to fill the seat at Stone Brothers Racing which will be vacated by reigning series champion Marcos Ambrose when he heads to the United States at the end of the year.

Kelly's recent form, including two race wins and the overall round win at both the inaugural Shanghai event and Hidden Valley, meant that staying with the Lion was assured, in an outfit where he has often matched or beaten his illustrious teammate and team owner Mark Skaife.

"This is the result I wanted," Kelly said of his signing this week. "To me, the Holden Racing Team represents the pinnacle of motor sport in Australia.

"I have always said that I wanted to drive for the team that would give me the best opportunity to win a championship and I believe that is what I'm going to get."

Team owner Mark Skaife was pleased with Kelly's decision: "We wanted the best available driver on the market, and right now that's Todd Kelly.

"He has shown outstanding form this year and really made sure we couldn't look past him. At 25, it's likely that he still has his best form in front of him so we're delighted to have him back for the next two years."

The newly re-signed Kelly and team owner Skaife will pair up at the upcoming endurance events at Sandown and Bathurst, with Jim Richards and James Courtney sharing the second car.