Get ready to be blown away by Grove Racing's jaw-dropping new livery, unveiled in honor of Penrite Oil's 100th anniversary – a milestone that's as much about the future as it is about the past. But here's where it gets even more exciting: this isn't just a flashy redesign; it's a powerful symbol of the team's unwavering commitment to excellence and the deep-rooted partnerships that fuel their success. At a glamorous sponsor event on Friday night, the Melbourne-based team gave a sneak peek of this stunning look, leaving fans eagerly anticipating today's public reveal.
Grove Racing is pulling out all the stops this season, aiming for their first-ever Supercars title with a star-studded lineup. Drivers Matt Payne and Kai Allen will be joined by Will Davison and Tim Slade for the Enduro Cup, forming a formidable quartet. And this is the part most people miss: their 2025 season was nothing short of remarkable, with Payne and Garth Tander clinching the Bathurst win and Allen securing a Grand Finalist spot, propelling the team to a second-place finish in the teams' championship.
Team owner Stephen Grove couldn't be prouder, emphasizing, 'Celebrating a century of Penrite Oil is more than just a milestone; it's a testament to the enduring legacy of an Australian, family-owned business.' He added, 'This livery isn't merely a new look – it embodies the strength of our collaborations and the high standards we strive for in every race.'
Here's a detail that might spark debate: The cars will continue to sport the numbers #19 and #26, a nod to Penrite's founding year, 1926. Some might argue it's a subtle touch, but for Penrite Oil CEO Toby Dymond, it's a profound connection to their heritage. 'Seeing those numbers side by side is a reminder of our journey and the legacy we're honored to carry forward,' he shared. The gold livery, a centerpiece of their centennial celebrations, pays homage to this golden era while looking ahead to new horizons.
Penrite's roots in motorsport run deep, and Dymond is thrilled about the season ahead. 'We’re incredibly proud to reach this 100-year mark, and we’re excited to see Matt Payne and Kai Allen represent us in a year that holds so much significance,' he said. The black and gold design evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of the iconic JPS livery from the 1970s and ’80s, a tribute Erebus Motorsport paid in 2019.
As Grove Racing gears up for the Bathurst 12 Hour next weekend, fielding a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Allen, Davison, and Brenton Grove, one can't help but wonder: Is this the year Grove Racing finally claims that elusive Supercars title? And what does this livery reveal about the team's ambitions moving forward? Let us know your thoughts in the comments – do you think this design will bring them luck, or is it just another bold statement in a season full of them?
