After a successful career racing a Porsche on the 1950s road circuits of Harewood Acres, Green Acres, and Waterford Hills, this Halifax native was instrumental in the development and establishment of the Volkswagen-powered Formula Vee as an affordable and exciting mode of competition.

Known for their quality, attention to detail, and use of aircraft-inspired components, Kelly built two dozen Formula Vee cars. He raced his own creations, winning the Canadian Formula Vee championship in 1965 and 1968. Others winning with his cars include Brian Robertson and Horst Kroll.

Kelly raced throughout Canada and the US, and campaigned a Chevron Formula B for a time before focusing on an interest in Formula Fords.

With two racers remaining in the 1971 Shoppers World FF Championship, and second place in points, Kelly tragically lost his life while competing during a race at Mosport.