Kai Allen Crashes Out in Tasmania Qualifying After 17th in Q1

kai allen crashed at the final corner in Tasmania qualifying and finished 17th in Q1 after sliding wide in greasy conditions. The 20-year-old Supercars driver left Grove Racing with little over 90 minutes to repair the #26 Mustang before Race 1, while he was also only 22nd fastest for the opening race.

Allen at the final corner

Allen came unstuck on the exit of the left-hand sweeper, lost the rear and hit the outside concrete wall. The session ended at the close of Q1, cutting short a run he felt had been moving in the right direction before the car stepped out.

“It’s a bit unfortunate. I’m gutted for the team,” Allen said after the crash. He added, “Just struggling out there a little bit with all round grip and I felt like that last lap was half decent.”

Penrite Racing repairs

The damage centered on the right-rear of the car, and Allen said the wing had come off. He also said, “It took the hit pretty well. It sort of got the rear first and swung the front around.”

That left Penrite Racing with a fast turnaround on the #26 Mustang before Race 1. Allen said, “Sorry to all the guys and girls at Penrite Racing. I’m gutted for them, we’ve just got a bit of work to do.”

Ruapuna to Tasmania

The crash came after Allen had scored a career first win at Ruapuna last time out, a result that made the Tasmanian setback sharper for the team. He said, “I got a little bit sideways there, just off line there’s so much greasiness with the water and all that.”

He finished with the sort of damage check that usually sends a garage into the clock-watching phase fast: “It looks OK. Obviously the right-rear is very damaged,” and, “I had a quick look, obviously the wing has come off, but the rear is mainly damaged and I’m not sure how much damage it’s done to the front.”