Revving up for the bp Adelaide Grand Final

Posted 19 November, 2025 Jeremy Rochow

At just 20 years old, South Australia’s very own Kai Allen is already making a name for himself in the Repco Supercars Championship.

The Mount Gambier-born rising star was the youngest Dunlop Super2 Series champion in 2023 and has already competed at Bathurst on several occasions.

In the lead up to the bp Adelaide Grand Final, we sat down to have a chat with the young Grove Racing driver.

sa move: What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

Kai: Being the youngest ever Super2 Series champion. That was a really cool one, marking my name down in history and doing it in front of my home crowd at the Adelaide 500 in 2023.

Equally, getting five podiums in my rookie season and making the second round of finals in the Repco Supercars Championship.

sa move: What do you enjoy most about racing in Adelaide?

Kai: Probably the nature of the track – it’s very fast, grippy and a cool style. You have to be on your game the entire race because your mirrors are centimetres from the walls. Your car is at its very limit.

Seeing the crowd in the grandstand as you come down the main straight is spectacular. There’s always a good atmosphere and I also have a lot of friends and family that come along.

It’s very special for me as a South Australian, and it’s such an iconic track.

sa move: Who was your idol or mentor as you moved through the junior ranks of motorsport?

Kai: My biggest mentor growing up was actually my dad.  He’s the one that’s pushed me the whole way and been by my side teaching me what I need to know about racing, but also about business and setting myself up.

I’ve always admired Scott McLaughlin. I think his way he goes about his racing, the way that he approaches all the fans and all that stuff is really cool.

sa move: What’s your favourite thing to do in your hometown (Mount Gambier)?

Kai: For me, it’s catching up with family and friends. It’s always good. I love getting home. It grounds me a bit, and I can get away from the big city in Melbourne and catch up with my best mates down there, but also Mum and Dad and my sisters as well.

sa move: Where’s your favourite holiday spot?

Kai: Probably Robe. It’s not too far from Mount Gambier. We have a nice beach house we like to rent out over Christmas. I do a lot of travelling throughout the year, so I love to stay close to home over the festive season.

sa move: What are your goals for the future?

Kai: For me at the moment, it’s just doing the best I can in the Supercars and I obviously want to really win a championship – that’s my number one goal.

The bp Adelaide Grand Final hits Adelaide’s streets from 27–30 November.