Mount Gambier young gun Kai Allen will make the move into the big league next year – signing a long term deal with Grove Racing.


Grove Racing on Tuesday night announced the signing of 2023 Dunlop Super2 Champion Allen, who will drive Car 26 on a long-term deal.


Allen will become Grove Racing’s second Dunlop Series signing in recent years, following on from the success of Matt Payne’s promotion to the Repco Supercars Championship.


He joins Grove Racing as the current Dunlop Super2 championship leader as he strives for a second successive driver’s title; something that has never been accomplished before.


Alongside Allen’s Super2 program, he will once again team up with Dick Johnson Racing for the 2024 Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000.


The 19-year-old will join Matt Payne, forming the youngest driver line up on the grid and the youngest full-time line up in 18 years.


Payne’s progression through the ranks is testament to the philosophy of Grove Racing’s investment in young talent.


After renewing Payne’s contract at the end of 2023, this partnership will usher in a new frontier for Grove Racing, with youthful talent a key ingredient.


Allen said he was thrilled to be making the move to Grove Racing, achieving a childhood dreaming of competing at the top level.


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


“It still has not sunk in, but I’m sure come Round 1 next year that will all change. I cannot 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 in David Cauchi, Shippy (Grant McPherson), Garth (Tander), who are all massive names in this sport.”


Allen said his immediate goal for the rest of the 2024 season year is to tick Super 2 off strong.


“That’s really important,” he said.


“It will also be valuable to do Sandown and Bathurst in the Gen 3 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.


“Driving Car 26 is pretty surreal too! It’s a number that I have raced with since karting, so I guess it’s meant to be!”