Former Mount Gambier driver secures supercars drive at Australia’s Great Race

Mount Gambier’s 18-year-old motor racing prodigy, Kai Allen, is about to embark on a new and exciting chapter in his career as he secures a wildcard entry for this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000.

Joining forces with Swiss driver Simona De Silvestro, Allen will pilot the wildcard Ford Mustang entry for the Shell V-Power Racing Team, making them one of three DJR Mustangs in the prestigious Bathurst 1000 race. They will be competing alongside Will Davison/Alex Davison and Anton De Pasquale/Tony D’Alberto in Car #17 and Car #11, respectively.

The upcoming Bathurst event is bound to be hectic for Allen, who will not only participate in the Dunlop Super 2 Series but also make his debut in the Great Race driving a supercar. Allen’s remarkable performance in the recent Super 2 round in Townsville, where he secured his first pole position and race victory, has catapulted him from seventh to second place in the series championship standings.

Allen’s journey to secure the Bathurst wildcard contract traces back to his relationship with DJR, starting with an impressive Evaluation Day in a Gen2 Mustang in May of last year. DJR team principal Ben Croke has been monitoring Allen’s progress closely and is thrilled to have him on board for the Bathurst 1000. Croke praised Allen’s speed, maturity, and work ethic, making him an ideal candidate to team up with De Silvestro, who brings a wealth of experience to mentor the young talent.

Ahead of the September test days in the Gen3 Mustang at Queensland Raceway, Allen has already begun preparing for the challenging race ahead. He recently headed to Sydney to shadow the team and familiarize himself with the supercar pits, eager to absorb as much information as possible. Allen’s dedication to continuous improvement is evident in his meticulous approach to racing, which involves note-taking, collaboration with team engineers, and self-analysis to optimize his performance.

Recognizing the physical demands of driving two cars during the Bathurst event, Allen has been working on his off-track preparations. Collaborating with Mount Gambier’s Rob Povey, he focuses on building strength in his lower back, arms, and grip. Additionally, DJR will provide elite support, with team chefs preparing meals and ensuring constant monitoring of his hydration levels.

While Allen’s primary focus is on seizing the Bathurst opportunity, he also has an eye on the future. Committed to a second season of Super 2, he aims to step into the top racing grade in 2025. For now, Allen is determined to continue learning and developing as he gathers invaluable experience, confidence, and understanding during his Super 2 journey.

Aside from the Repco Bathurst 1000, Allen has three rounds of the Dunlop Super 2 Series remaining on his calendar. With Sandown, Bathurst, and the season-ending Adelaide 500 ahead, the talented young driver is eager to make his mark on the racing world and pursue his dreams of reaching the top echelons of the sport.