'Mama knows best': How Allen kept an emotional promise to his mum
Kai Allen claimed first Supercars victory in Christchurch
Parents Jason and Nicola were among first to greet Allen in victory lane
Allen vaulted from 11th to fifth in the championship
Winning his first Supercars race was a landmark moment, but for Kai Allen, delivering on his mother’s simple promise made it extra special.
The Penrite Racing driver is Supercars’ newest race winner, courtesy of a brilliant against-the-odds victory in Christchurch last month.
Allen’s parents Jason and Nicola were right there in PIRTEK Victory Lane to embrace their son, still only 20 years old, as he toppled the heavyweights of Supercars.
The #26 Penrite Ford driver held off erstwhile championship leader Brodie Kostecki in a Ruapuna thriller, in what saw Allen become the fifth youngest race winner in just his 48th start.
Victory in Christchurch, was made all the more sweeter as Nicola got her simple wish — a hug from her son, amid flashing cameras and dozens of people, with thousands watching on on TV.
“Mum has put a lot of hard work and sacrifice to get not only me, but my sisters to the highest level of our sport,” Allen told Supercars.com.
“To just have her there to get my first race win was pretty special. Just to see how emotional she was and how much it meant to her and Dad, it was awesome.
"It's been a long journey, so it was very, very cool. At a race weekend, Mum only asks for one hug each day. She’s happy with that, even though I’m busy.
“While winning that race was an emotional moment, she also got to get an extra hug.”
Jason and Nicola had three gifted children to support. Daughters Sienna and Nyah would become elite level netballers, and moved away when they were 14 and 17.
The Christchurch win delivered a dream for a driver who was gifted a go-kart for Christmas at eight years old, having become a diehard fan of Cars character Lightning McQueen.
Kai started his career in karting at the Mount Gambier Go Karting Club at Glenburnie, winning 12 state titles and becoming the Australian Karting Champion in both the cadet and KA2 junior classes before turning 15.
While Kai spent 48 weekends a year with Jason — who was also his main mechanic and support crew — travelling to karting events, Nicola at times worked two to three jobs. Jason also ran his own business, and supported Nicola.
Having risen through the ranks at breakneck speed, Kai was laser-focused on reaching the top. Having now ticked two big boxes — reaching Supercars, and winning a race — Allen knows he is well and truly indebted to his biggest fans.
“When you’re a kid, you probably don't realise how much your parents care about what you’re doing,” said Allen, who won the 2023 Super2 title as an 18-year-old.
“It can get stressful, and emotions get involved, especially when there's money involved. But they're doing it for the right reasons, and they want to see you succeed.
“You have to have them there along the journey, and they want what's best for you. My Mum, I know she would bloody do anything for her kids, especially when it comes to our sport and our dreams.
“My key advice is, always have time for your Mum and Dad, and make sure you do whatever they say and listen to them. They’ve got more experience and they're older than you, and they want what's best for you.
“Mama knows best."
