Photo: Supercars

Kai Allen to graduate to Supercars grid

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Reigning Super2 champion Kai Allen will graduate to the Supercars grid for the 2025 season, albeit not with the team that many expected.

Allen, who is bidding to defend the Super2 crown this year, will join forces with Matt Payne at Grove Racing, lining up in the #26 Penrite Racing Ford Mustang as replacement for Richie Stanaway.

The move to sign the teenager comes despite him being linked to a drive with Dick Johnson Racing, having already inked a deal to partner Will Davison for the endurance races this season.

Allen competed for DJR at Bathurst last season, running in a wildcard entry alongside Simona del Silvestro and taking a 20th place finish.

“It’s pretty surreal!” Allen said. “I’ve been racing since I was eight years old, maybe even younger, so I’m super grateful to finally be in a position that I’ve worked towards my whole life.

“It still hasn’t sunk in, but I’m sure come round one next year that will all change. I can’t thank Stephen and Brenton enough for the opportunity. I feel like I’m joining a team that’s really on the way up and there’s some really great personnel on the team with so much experience.

“It will also be valuable to do Sandown and Bathurst in the Gen3 car, just so I can be as comfortable as possible with that style of car before I join the team. Ultimately, I’m here to learn as much as possible.

“Matt’s a really talented driver so I’ll be doing my best to keep the team up the front and absorb as much as possible from him.”