Current Dunlop Super2 Series young gun Kai Allen has been announced to drive Dick Johnson Racing’s first ever Repco Bathurst 1000 Wildcard where he will be joined for his race debut by Simona De Silvestro.
DJR’s lodgement of a Wildcard application was confirmed recently and Allen had been mooted as the likely driver to receive the opportunity following strong performances at the start of his maiden Super2 campaign.
This wildcard entry has been a long time coming for Dick Johnson Racing and we are extremely excited about it.
DJR CEO David Noble hinted at the set-up of the team’s possible Wildcard format in Darwin and was pleased to confirm those plans.
“To have the enthusiasm and talent of Kai mixed with the experience of Simona is the perfect combination,” said Noble.
“Of course, this wildcard entry wouldn’t be possible without the support of our wonderful long-standing partners Viva Energy Australia [Shell Licensee], WM Waste, Rheem & Pivotel, thank you.
“As an organisation, we are driven to succeed and aim to prepare and deliver the car to a competitive level for Bathurst.”
For De Silvestro, it will be her first Repco Supercars Championship start since Newcastle 2019 when driving for Kelly Racing.
“I am thrilled to race back at the iconic track in Bathurst and want to thank DJR and Shell V-Power for this amazing opportunity,” she reacted.
“Four years has been too long but who would have thought in 2019 that I would not be able to travel to Australia for such a long time?
“I am looking forward to teaming up with young talent Kai and I am sure we will make a great team.
“Of course, I also want to thank Harvey Norman and Katie Page who have been supporting me all my career in Australia.
“I can’t wait to be back in Australia in September to start testing the new Gen3 car.”
It marks Allen’s Repco Supercars Championship debut as he’s expected to form part of the legendary team’s future plans.
“I’m so proud and excited to be joining DJR as part of their first Bathurst wildcard, representing the Shell V-Power brand,” Allen remarked.
“I’m really looking forward to working with such a knowledgeable and well-respected team, who have seen so much success over the years.
“Co-driving with Simona will no doubt be a highlight of the year and I can’t wait to learn from her, as she is such an experienced driver.”
It is expected the youth formula won’t end at installing Allen as driver, with DJR keen to provide a chance to its young mechanical and engineering employees in the Wildcard set-up led by experienced member Mikey Flynn.
DJR’s Wildcard is the second to confirm its driver line-up after Triple Eight Race Engineering announced Zane Goddard will join Craig Lowndes in the third of its Chevrolet Camaros.
Blanchard Racing Team is another planning to field a Wildcard, though its combination has not been announced.