Penrite Racing locks Allen down with contract extension
Penrite Racing locks Kai Allen down with contract extension
2023 Super2 champion tied to the Ford team until end of 2030
Allen finished rookie season fourth after reaching Grand Final
Kai Allen has signed a long-term extension with Penrite Racing, tying him to the Ford team until 2030.
In a major driver market play by Grove Racing, Allen will remain with the team for the next five seasons.
It puts the 2023 Super2 champion alongside Shell V-Power Racing Team star Brodie Kostecki, who has also been locked in to the end of 2030.
Red Bull Ampol Racing drivers Broc Feeney and Will Brown are locked in to the end of 2029.
Allen, 20, burst onto the scene with a stunning run to the bp Adelaide Grand Final, where he had a chance to emulate Craig Lowndes and become a rookie champion.
"Kai is a generational talent and delivered everything that we could have asked for and more in 2025," team owner Stephen Grove said.
"He has approached his first Supercars season with humility, determination and a serious hunger to improve every time he gets in the car. The team have loved working with Kai and are excited by the possibilities ahead.
"His performances in 2025, have laid a strong foundation for what we believe will be a long and successful career at this level of the sport and we are thrilled by his loyalty and commitment to Grove Racing."
Allen and Bathurst winner Matt Payne helped Penrite Racing finish second in the teams' championship for the first time. Payne won five races, while Allen claimed five podiums.
In 2026, Allen will partner with new race engineer Riccardo Corte, who has joined Grove Racing following 11 years at Ferrari, where amongst other roles he served as Lewis Hamilton’s Performance Engineer.
"My first season in Supercars was a dream and I am thrilled to be extending my partnership with Grove Racing until 2030," Allen said.
"I can't thank Stephen and Brenton enough for the opportunity and trust that they have instilled in me over the past year. The future at Grove Racing is incredibly exciting.
"The belief, the people and the direction that we are headed in gives me a lot of confidence. I feel like we are building something really special and I can't wait to keep growing together and see where this journey takes us.
"Having the Penrite Racing fans behind me means everything. Whether it's at the track, online or watching from home, their support gives me extra motivation each time I get into the car.
"I can’t wait to get back into Car 26 in the new year to keep working."
