WHEN Rick Kelly began mapping out a strategy for winning for this year’s Bathurst 1000, a big part of it was finding himself a quality co-driver.
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The man he picked to share his Nissan Altima was Garry Jacobson and Kelly feels the 26-year-old was a perfect choice.
It’s easy to see why Kelly feels that way. Jacobson is currently in his sixth season competing in the Dunlop Super2 Series, a category he won in 2016 and ranks fourth in heading to Bathurst.
He impressed when making his Enduro Cup debut last season as Jason Bright’s co-driver and importantly, his regular drive this season is in one of Kelly’s former Altimas.
“One of the big things with Garry is that he drives a Nissan in Super2, and that’s made the transition into my car very simple and a lot easier than it could have been if he wasn't racing full-time,” Kelly said.
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“We can change things on the car and get feedback from Garry, rather than using the time with him in the car to get him up to speed and that’s an advantage for us, others don’t have that luxury.
“That was a bit of a strategic move from us at the start of the year to make sure the guys in the Super2 program were part of our main game endurance program as well.”
Kelly liked what he saw from Jacobson in testing and when the opening leg of the Enduro Cup was held at Sandown – where they ultimately finished eighth - his co-driver impressed him once more.
Starting from 16th on the grid, Jacobson worked his way up to seventh in his 55-lap stint. That effort came a day after he won his Super2 race at the same track and clocked a lap record.
“He’s young and enthusiastic which is really good, it’s a really good pairing,” Kelly said.
“With a guy like Garry, he’s so enthusiastic and happy to be part of the team and happy to learn. When we were testing you give him a job to try and go out and improve - fuel save or whatever it might be - he grabs that challenge with both hands and runs with it.
“I’ve been around in the category for awhile and this time of year it’s always a breath of fresh air to have another guy come in.”
