Allen: Enduros key to 2025 main game hopes

Kai Allen is determined to deliver in this year’s endurance races as the rising star aims to secure a main game drive in 2025.

The Shell V-Power Racing Team has promoted Allen to a plumb co-drive alongside two-time Bathurst winner Will Davison.

Last week, the Super2 points leader cut laps with the Ford team, alongside Davison, Anton De Pasquale and Tony D’Alberto at Queensland Raceway.

There, the 18-year-old got behind the wheel of Davison’s #17 Mustang, marking his first full test with the team since his wildcard effort with Simona De Silvestro last year.

Allen is firmly embedded in the Dick Johnson Racing stable, and with a number of drivers off-contract, the teen will be hot property.

The Mount Gambier driver’s stocks could rise further, with Allen currently in the box seat to become the first driver to successful defend his Dunlop Series title.

While aware of his role as co-driver and his efforts to assist Davison’s own season, Allen is keen to put his best foot forward and press his case for a 2025 seat.

“This year is a big opportunity. Last year was all a bit last minute, but it was good to get the first one out of the way, with Simona and the wildcard,” Allen told Supercars.com.

“This year I've got a bit more time to find my feet, alongside Will and a couple more test days. Then, we get to do Sandown and Bathurst, so there’s more seat time in general.

“But the priority is doing my job with DJR this year, making sure we have a good result and keep out of trouble so Will can press on with his championship fight."

Allen and Eggleston Motorsport teammate Cooper Murray both have golden chances to deliver with leading teams, with Murray to share a Triple Eight wildcard with Craig Lowndes, no less.

Murray has already caught the eye of Lowndes, who was impressed by the youngster’s ability to cast his focus to the task at hand, and acknowledge the big step from Super2.

Should he score a main game drive in 2025, Allen would be 19 for the first half of the season. However, Allen is hopeful he can feed from the experience at DJR, so he can be as prepared as possible.

"Yeah, it's pretty cool, even hanging out at the workshop and sitting down with engineers and seeing how they operate,” Allen said.

"I'm still only 18, so having experienced guys around me will hopefully help fast track me into the main game next year.

“By then, I’d have gained a lot more experience under my belt.”

Allen will resume his Dunlop Series campaign at the NTI Townsville 500 on July 5-7.