Allen flirts around title threat tag
Kai Allen heads to Townsville just 35 points from third overall
Penrite Racing driver won races in Christchurch, Darwin
Allen, Matt Payne have propelled Penrite Racing to teams' lead
Kai Allen is flattered by suggestions he is one to beat in 2026, but insists he has more improvement left before he can consider himself a championship threat.
Only Penrite Racing teammate Matt Payne has scored more points in the last three rounds than Allen, who in that time, has won twice and claimed six podiums in 10 starts.
After Darwin, where Allen won the second race in a canter after passing pole sitter Cam Waters, Supercars data analyst included Allen and Waters alongside Broc Feeney, Payne and Brodie Kostecki in a 'Big Five'.
Allen's star has risen exponentially since the middle of 2025, going on a charge to the bp Adelaide Grand Final — as a rookie, no less — before helping Penrite Racing to the teams' lead.
When told that he is being considered a championship contender, Allen replied: "Well, that's pretty cool.
“For me, I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing. It’s such a long championship, and as we've seen the last few rounds, a lot can change no matter what happens.
“That's awesome that people believe that I’ve got what it takes to get to the final and contend for that championship, sort of what I did last year. That gives me a lot of confidence.
“But at the same time, I've still got a job to do, still got a lot to learn, and I feel like there's a lot for me to improve on and the team as well.”
A tough mechanical failure in the Sydney finale, which occurred while he was fighting for the lead, left Allen 14th in the championship. Allen has since scored the third most points behind Feeney and Payne, reinforcing his standing as one of the top performers in the category.
Wins are the most important currency for Allen at the moment, and the 21-year-old believes recent results have Penrite Racing geared for success.
“To get that win in Darwin, it's my second win in my career, so super pumped,” Allen said.
"It builds a lot of confidence, both sides of the garage that we're performing. Four podiums pretty much every race now, and whether it's Matty or myself.
"Gives everyone a bit of a pep in their step to know that we’re doing the right thing. We’re working together really well, pushing each other on and off track to make sure that, when it comes race time, we've got what it takes.”
Allen is just 35 points behind third placed Waters heading to this weekend's NTI Townsville 500.
