Jack Daniel's Racing visits Yankee Stadium

TODD AND RICK KELLY WALK ON HALLOWED TURF AT YANKEE STADIUM

Todd and Rick Kelly have walked on the hallowed turf of Yankee Stadium and watched one of the biggest rivalries in American sport while on a tour of the United States.

The Jack Daniel's Racing V8 Supercar drivers were treated to a tour of Yankee Stadium by New York Yankees officials, providing them with a revealing insight into one of the most famous sporting organisations on the planet.

The pair were also guided through Monument Park, a section of the stadium dedicated to former Yankees legends who have had their numbers retired to commemorate their achievements.

Both Jack Daniel's Racing numbers, the seven of Todd Kelly and fifteen of Rick Kelly, are now retired and featured in Monument Park, with seven belonging to Mickey Mantle and 15 to Thurman Munson.

"It doesn't really get any bigger than the New York Yankees in terms of sports teams right around the world," said Rick Kelly.

"I actually had a Yankees cap as a kid but I lost it camping. Now I've got myself a new one -- from Yankee Stadium no less!

"It was amazing to see how the Yankees commemorate their past and to learn about the rich history of this team."

The brothers also had a quick baseball lesson from Yankees third base coach Rob Thomson, who is familiar with Australia having coached Australian Baseball League team the Canberra Bushrangers in the 1990s.

The brothers were welcomed onto the field to watch final preparations for the Yankees game against traditional rivals the Boston Red Sox, as Yankees stars such as Alex 'A-Rod' Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira completed battling practice.

"It was such a buzz to get so close to the action and see all those players getting ready for one of their biggest games for the season," said Todd Kelly.

"Rob (Thomson) gave us a few quick explanations and pointers, which came in handy when we were watching the game.

"It was an experience of a lifetime to get down onto the ground as the crowd was starting to pour into the place and the stars were warming up.

"They had a packed house in to see the big Yankees v Red Sox game. After it was over we checked out Times Square on the way home and I have never seen so many people in one place in my life!"

-source: kelly racing