Experienced campaigner returns for Grove

Wood will return to Car 26, pairing up with rookie Kai Allen who will be contesting his first endurance campaign as a full-time Repco Supercars Championship driver. 

Dale was ultra consistent in his 2024 endurance campaign, with results not a true representation of the performance by Dale and Car 26. 

Car 26 was firmly entrenched in the Top 10 across the Sandown and Bathurst weekends, however unfortunate circumstances conspired against Dale and Richie maximising Car 26’s potential. 

A constant front-runner in Porsche Carrera Cup, Dale was a surprise call-up to replace Richie Stanaway in Adelaide following Richie’s concussion diagnosis. Dale was only confirmed to drive in Race 23 a mere hour before the green flag, however, Dale did everything required of him, banking valuable points that ultimately helped the team secure fourth place in the Teams Championship. 

Dale will partner rookie Kai Allen in 2025, helping to mentor the young star in what will be his first endurance campaign as a lead driver. Dale’s experience across his 18-year Supercars career will be invaluable for rookie Kai. 

The 2025 Repco Supercars Championship will inherit a new points structure, with endurance events, and Dale’s role with the team at The Bend and Bathurst taking on added significance. The endurance season will mark a return of sorts of the ‘Enduro Cup’ with the highest points-getters across the two races being crowned endurance champions.  

Wood said he can’t wait to get back behind the steering wheel of the Mustang.

“I really enjoyed becoming part of the team last season and getting to know all the staff within the wider Penrite Racing network. Working alongside Richie and the Car 26 crew was a highlight, and it was truly a year I enjoyed more than many others,” he said.

“I’ve watched Kai since his Super3 days and always believed he was a future star of the sport. To be able to work with him and support him in his first full-time campaign is something I’m looking forward to. 

Having competed in last year’s endurance campaign, as well as Adelaide, I’m far more familiar with the car and the team moving into this season. This should make it easier to transition back into the Mustang, and ultimately set us up for success.” 

Team boss David Cauchi is looking forward to have the experinced pilot in his car.

“Having continuity with our co-driver line-up will allow us to build on what we achieved last year. Dale brings a wealth of experience to the team which will be valuable for Kai in his rookie season,” he said.

Allen is confident he can learn from the seasoned campaigner.

“With Dale being as experienced as he is, his leadership will be so important to our campaign. Having Dale in my corner for my first endurance campaign as a primary driver will help my preparation and allow me to extract the most out of myself. I’m sure we are going to have some fun and hopefully we can walk away after Bathurst with some great results,” he said.