Allen to defend title in 2024 after rookie triumph
Kai Allen set to make Super2 return in 2024
Eggleston teen won the 2023 title in Adelaide last weekend
Allen also eyeing 2024 enduro co-drive
Winning the Super2 title proved “sweeter than ever” for Kai Allen, who is set to go around again in the Dunlop Series in 2024.
After a final-race crash cost him the Super3 title in 2022, Allen returned 12 months later to defeat Zak Best after a thrilling season.
The end margin between Eggleston Motorsport rookie Allen and Anderson Motorsport star Best was just six points — the third closest margin in series history.
Allen, who turned 18 earlier this year, made his Supercars debut alongside Simona De Silvestro in a Dick Johnson Racing wildcard Ford at the Repco Bathurst 1000.
With several main game drivers off-contract at the end of next year, Allen could be in the frame to score a full-time seat for 2025. In the last two years, Super2 drivers Declan Fraser, Cameron Hill, Matt Payne, Ryan Wood and Aaron Love have all secured main game seats.
For now, Allen is set to defend his Super2 title in 2024, with the Mount Gambier teen also eyeing an enduro co-drive. He would become the first Super2 champion since Garry Jacobson in 2016 to defend his title.
When asked about 2024, he replied “Working on a few things, probably just Super2 again with Eggleston, and see if we get en enduro drive."
When asked about winning the Super2 title as a rookie, he added: “I went into this year like it's a learning year, it was my second year in a Supercar.
“Very cool to get the championship, I didn’t expect it. We were sixth or seventh at one stage.
“We kept chipping away, and we’re here now, it’s pretty cool.”
Allen led the points for the first time after Saturday’s race at the VAILO Adelaide 500, with Best penalised over a clash with Nash Morris.
The #26 Eggleston Commodore driver had to finish within reach of Best on Sunday to clinch the title, and he did enough with fifth as Best finished second.
Eggleston Motorsport managed the situation perfectly, even allowing Cooper Murray past Allen in the closing laps to help the former secure second for the round.
For Allen, the title was perfect reward for his team and his supporters after the heartbreak of 2022.
“With Zak leading, I just had to hunt him down,” said Allen, who became the youngest ever Super2 champion.
“After Race 1, it was pretty cool to lead the championship. In that last race, if he was first, I had to finish fourth; if he was second, I had to finish fifth.
“He was in second, and I basically had to keep racing. Towards the end, I had to bring it home, and we’re champion.
“It’s sweeter than ever. Last year, I felt really bad for the team, they put so much effort into me. To get this one for them, it’s just as special for me as it is for my family.
“Really glad to bring it home, and I can’t wait for next year.”
