Stanaway ruled out, Allen in after rule change
Richie Stanaway ruled out, Kai Allen in after rule change
Super2 title contender Allen cleared to race in Adelaide on Sunday
Stanaway ruled out amid continued concussion symptoms
Super2 champion Kai Allen has been cleared to make his first solo Repco Supercars Championship start on Sunday at the VAILO Adelaide 500 following an overnight rule change.
Allen was announced by Penrite Racing as Richie Stanaway's stand-in driver for Saturday's race, after the New Zealander withdrew due to delayed concussion symptoms.
However, Allen was ineligible to race, with the teenager requiring sign-off from all Super2 teams.
In a last-minute call-up, Penrite Racing co-driver and Porsche Carrera Cup Australia driver Dale Wood was drafted in to replace Stanaway, finishing 22nd in Saturday's race.
On Sunday morning, Supercars advised that a rule had been signed off to permit a Super2 driver to start, with Stanaway ruled out.
Allen has been granted dispensation from Supercars and Motorsport Australia to race in the main game.
The Eggleston Motorsport driver is also fighting for the Super2 title, with the final Dunlop Series race scheduled for 1:50pm local time/2:20pm AEDT. Allen is 84 points behind leader Zach Bates.
The rule change reads:
Pursuant to Rule A6.2.4 of the 2024 Supercars Operations Manual, the CEO amends the following Rules:
1.1 DUNLOP SERIES ELIGIBILITY
1.1.1 At this Event only, note the following amendment to Rule 6.2.4
A6.2.4 A Driver is permitted to Compete in the VCS and Dunlop Series at the same Sprint Event.
In a Penrite Racing statement, the team confirmed Stanaway was not medically cleared, with Allen gaining dispensation to race.
It ensures PremiAir Nulon Racing-bound Stanaway has run his last race for Penrite Racing.
"Following further medical consultation, Richie Stanaway has not been medically cleared to take part in today’s Supercars Championship proceedings," the statement reads.
"As such, Kai Allen will step into Car 26, following dispensation from Supercars & Motorsport Australia.
"Grove Racing would like to extend their thanks to all Super 2 teams & the Repco Supercars Championship for helping to facilitate this."
Allen will get behind the wheel of the #26 Ford for Boost Mobile Qualifying at 10:20am local time/10:50am AEDT, followed by the Boost Mobile Top Ten Shootout at 12:35pm local time/1:05pm AEDT.
