Crash lights up Tasmania qualifying amid Allen double disaster
Crash lights up Tasmania qualifying in double disaster for Kai Allen
Finals contender a “passenger” in dramatic incident at Symmons Plains
Allen, who sits fifth in points, qualified 22nd and 17th for Saturday races
Kai Allen’s Finals hopes have taken a huge hit with a double disaster in Boost Mobile Qualifying in Tasmania.
The Penrite Racing driver soared to fifth in the championship after topping the weekend point score last time out in Christchurch.
However, Saturday completely fell apart for the 20-year-old, who after qualifying 22nd for Race 14, crashed out of Race 15 qualifying.
Allen bowled a wide through the fast Turn 7 left-hander, and slid towards the wet grass.
Morning rain left the Penrite Ford out of control on the grass, with Allen clouting the concrete wall. The Penrite Ford lost its rear wing, and also sustained right rear damage, before slewing back across the circuit.
"I’m gutted for the team obviously. Just struggling out there a little bit with all-round grip, and I felt like that last lap was half decent,” Allen said on the broadcast.
"Got a little bit sideways there and just off-line, there's so much greasiness with the water and all that. So, lost the rear and then once you're on the grass, you're just a passenger from there.
"Sorry to all the guys and girls at Penrite Racing. I'm gutted for them and we've just got a bit of work to do."
On the damage, Allen explained: “It looks okay. Obviously the right rear's very damaged but it took the hit pretty well. It sort of got the rear first and then swung the front around.
"Obviously the wing came off it but the rear's mainly damaged and I'm not sure how much damage is done to the front, but I'm sure the boys will fix her up.”
Saturday’s 50-lap races will commence at 1:00pm and 4:00pm AEST.
