Kai ALLEN will be in penrite colours for 2025
Credit: Shell V-Power Racing Team
Penrite Racing has announced a major signing, securing rising star Kai Allen on a long-term deal. The 19-year-old Super2 champion is set to replace outgoing driver Richie Stanaway and will partner with Matt Payne, forming the youngest driver pairing on the Repco Supercars Championship grid.
Allen, who hails from Mount Gambier, had a stellar 2023 season, clinching the Super2 title and positioning himself as a strong contender to become the first back-to-back winner of the series. His promotion to the main game is seen as a significant development in the driver market, shifting attention to teams like Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) and PremiAir Racing.
Previously, Allen was associated with DJR, participating in a wildcard entry last year and being announced as a co-driver for 2024. However, he will now be racing a Mustang with Penrite Racing in 2025, joining a team that has shown promising growth. This move leaves DJR with potential openings, as current drivers Will Davison and Anton De Pasquale, along with reigning champion Brodie Kostecki, are all off-contract.
Despite Allen's shift to a rival team, DJR Team Principal Ryan Story expressed support, saying, “I’m very excited for Kai. It’s a testament to his talent and hard work.”
Reflecting on his journey, Allen shared his excitement, “It’s pretty surreal! I’ve been racing since I was eight years old, so I’m super grateful to finally be in this position. I feel like I’m joining a team that’s really on the way up. There’s some really great personnel on the team with so much experience.”
He added, “My goal for the rest of this year is to secure the Super2 title. It will also be valuable to compete in Sandown and Bathurst in the Gen3 car, to get as comfortable as possible before I join the team. Driving Car 26 is pretty surreal too! It’s a number that I’ve raced with since karting, so I guess it’s meant to be.”
Allen will continue his Dunlop Series campaign at Sandown, where he will share the iconic #17 with Davison. His entry into the main game with Penrite Racing is eagerly anticipated, as the young talent looks to make his mark on the Supercars Championship.