The countdown is on for Mount Gambier’s Kai Allen to take the track for his first official season in the Supercars main game.
Allen will take the wheel for Penrite Racing this weekend for the commencement of the 2025 season in the Sydney 500, after stepping up from the Dunlop Super 2 Series last year.
Penrite Racing’s 2025 season will be led by a youthful and dynamic driver line-up, featuring Matt Payne in Car #19 and Mount Gambier’s rookie sensation Allen in Car #26, marking the youngest driver pairing in the Supercars Championship in 18 years.
The driver pairings for Penrite Racing’s endurance campaign have been confirmed, with Payne in Car #19 being joined by the highly experienced and accomplished Garth Tander, a five-time Bathurst Champion.
Meanwhile, Car #26 will see rookie Allen partnered with seasoned co-driver Dale Wood, providing a strong balance of youth and experience and demonstrating the team’s commitment to achieving excellence.
As the countdown to Sydney looms, Penrite Racing has revealed its striking 2025 season livery, an evolution of the 2024 design, which is set to turn heads on and off the track during the upcoming Supercars Championship Season.
The 2025 livery unveiled by Penrite Racing not only boasts a sleek new design, but also proudly displays the team’s valued partnerships, renewing key collaborations with premier, major and official sponsors, while also welcoming the addition of exciting new partners.
Under the leadership of Grove Racing team principal David Cauchi, Penrite Racing is poised for a strong season, with Cauchi’s focus on performance, strategy and teamwork driving the team’s ambitions.
Supported by Technical Director Grant McPherson, who brings a wealth of technical expertise to the table, the team is well-equipped to optimise the performance of the Ford Mustangs and provide a competitive platform for drivers Payne and Allen to succeed.
As the team takes to the track, they will also be celebrating a significant milestone with Naming Rights sponsor Penrite Oil, who are gearing up to commemorate their 100-year anniversary in 2026, a testament to the company’s rich history and dedication to the sport, making the this season a truly memorable one for the team and its partners.
Cauchi said he is eager to kickstart the 2025 season to showcase Penrite Racing’s livery and on-track performance.
“This is a year of evolution for Penrite Racing, and this is reflected in our 2025 season livery as we continue our relationship with many long-standing partners, as well as bring some new brands and faces into the sport,” he said.
“We welcome Kai Allen to the team and are excited to partner him alongside Matthew Payne and bring the most youthful driver line up to the sport.
“We look forward to developing our Penrite Racing Ford Mustangs throughout the season and work towards the new finals system introduced for the first time this year. 2025 will certainly be a year to watch all the way till the chequered flag drops at the final race.”
Penrite Oil chief executive Toby Dymond said he was excited for the 2025 season.
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with the team and delighted to welcome Kai Allen to the family,” he said.
“His addition makes us proud to have the youngest driver line-up with Matt Payne in 18 years of Supercars.
“With our 100-year anniversary approaching, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our strong history of supporting Australian motorsport. We cannot wait to see what this season holds!”
Grove Group executive chairman Stephen Grove is thrilled with the new driver line up and on-track projection of the Penrite Racing team.
“The 2025 season is a significant milestone as we continue our commitment to developing young talent, resulting in the youngest driver lineup on the grid,” he said.
“We are excited to welcome Kai Allen to the Penrite Racing Ford Mustangs.
“Grove Racing are proud to continue our partnership with Penrite Oil as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026 along with our valued family of sponsors, we look forward to a successful year on track.”
