PODCAST: Allen eyes strong enduro campaign

Mount Gambier’s rising Supercars star, Kai Allen, is preparing for the toughest test of his rookie season as he heads into the endurance races with momentum and growing confidence.

The 19-year-old Grove Racing driver has enjoyed a remarkable debut in the Supercars Championship, scoring four podium finishes – including two runner-up results – during the sprint rounds. The performances have exceeded his expectations and placed Grove Racing second in the teams’ standings heading into the endurance season.

“I didn’t expect podiums this early,” Allen told Race for the Championship’s Mark Fogarty.

“My main goal was to do my part for the team, work closely with my teammate Matt Payne and the engineers, and keep learning. To already have results on the board is a massive bonus.”

Allen credits Grove Racing’s collaborative environment and experienced personnel for accelerating his development. He has forged a strong partnership with engineer Alastair McVean and is drawing on the guidance of team leaders including David Cauchi and the Grove family.

“It’s a different ball game to Super2 – the competitiveness, the racecraft, the details,” he said.

“Sometimes we haven’t had the fastest car, but by putting it in the right spot and executing strategy, we’ve still delivered results. That gives me a lot of confidence for when we do have the pace.”

Now the focus turns to the enduro campaign, starting with the first ever endurance race at The Bend Motorsport Park, Allen’s home track in South Australia. He will share driving duties with co-driver Dale Wood, with the pair working hard to fine-tune comfort, pit stop execution and strategy.

“There are massive points on offer in the enduros,” Allen said.

“Dale and I are spending a lot of time together, making sure we’re both comfortable in the car. If we get the details right, we can set ourselves up really well for the rest of the season.”

Allen’s journey into Supercars began on a small dirt track outside his family home in Mount Gambier before progressing through karts, Toyota 86s, and Super2. With sporting pedigree running in the family – his sisters Sienna and Nyah have both played elite netball – Allen says he is grateful for his parents’ sacrifices to support their children’s ambitions.

Looking ahead to The Bend 500 and the iconic Bathurst 1000, Allen is eager to prove his rookie campaign is just the start.

“I’m loving every moment at Grove Racing,” he said.

“This year has been a dream come true, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”