MARCOS Ambrose's V8 Supercars rivals past and present have expressed shock at the Launceston driver's decision to step away from the DJR Team Penske driver's seat before his home round at Symmons Plains.
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But Jack Daniel's Racing's Rick Kelly believed the strength of the category played a part in the 38-year-old two-time champion's decision.
Ambrose cited the need for more "experience" in the car after returning from his NASCAR stint in the US, having competed in just the three events (Sydney last year as wildcard, Adelaide and the Australian Grand Prix).
"I really hope in the future we can see him race again, but the big thing to note is that a driver as good as Marcos Ambrose hasn't come back straight to the front of our series, which shows how competitive and tough it is," Kelly said in Launceston yesterday.
"I think Marcos went as well as he could have gone in his first races back, and don't forget we have moved to an all-new V8 Supercar and it is quite a tough car to drive and to get used to."
Tim Blanchard, of Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport, who appeared with Nissan's Kelly at Punchbowl Primary School yesterday, shared Kelly's shock at hearing the news.
"It is disappointing for all of us, as Marcos is such a well regarded and skilled driver," the Holden driver said.
"Being able to race against him for the first time for me was really cool."
Fellow V8 Supercars drivers Lee Holdsworth and Will Davison told Fox Sports on Monday night that Ambrose should have taken more time before making the decision.
Meanwhile, five-time champion Mark Skaife told the Fox Sports News that he believed that his former rival would eventually return to the category.
"When he gets back in a car, who knows - what you'll find is when he sees the glimmer of the car getting better and the push to get the car better, when he sees that, that's when he'll see the push to get back on board," Skaife said.
"In the meantime, we have to be patient."
Tuesday's announcement has also forced Tourism Northern Tasmania to change the visual element of its campaign at Melbourne Airport, which featured Ambrose.
Chief executive Chris Griffin said there would be a "slight change" to it.
Scott Pye will pilot the #17 Ford Falcon at Symmons Plains from March 27 to 29.
