Get ready for a visual treat and a glimpse into automotive history! Grove Racing has unveiled a breathtaking new livery, and it's a celebration like no other.
The Golden Anniversary: A Stunning Tribute
In a sponsor event on Friday night, Grove Racing revealed a stunning black and gold livery, a tribute to the 100-year anniversary of Penrite Oil. This isn't just a fresh coat of paint; it's a symbol of partnership, strength, and a commitment to excellence.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least thought-provoking. The livery, with its bold colors, pays homage to the iconic JPS colors of the '70s and '80s, a design choice that might spark debates among racing enthusiasts.
Grove Racing, with drivers Matt Payne and Kai Allen, is aiming for their first Supercars title this season. And they're not alone; Will Davison and Tim Slade will join forces for the Enduro Cup, adding even more excitement to their campaign.
In the 2025 season, Grove Racing finished as runners-up in the teams' championship, with Payne and Garth Tander claiming victory at Bathurst and Allen reaching the Grand Final. It's a team on the rise, and this anniversary livery is a bold statement of their intentions.
"Celebrating Penrite's 100 years is a special moment for us," said team owner Stephen Grove. "As an Australian business, still family-owned and operated, this livery honors their remarkable journey."
And this is the part most people miss: the numbers #19 and #26, a subtle reference to the year Penrite was established, adding a layer of historical significance to the design.
Penrite Oil CEO Toby Dymond sees this livery as just the beginning of their planned celebrations. "Reaching our century mark is a proud moment, and the gold livery is a fitting tribute. Penrite's story began in 1926, and seeing '19' and '26' on the cars is a powerful reminder of our legacy."
Throughout the year, Penrite plans to celebrate their golden era with various activations, honoring their past while looking towards the future. Motorsport, after all, has been an integral part of their story, and they're eager to see what this season brings.
"I wish Matt Payne and Kai Allen the best as they represent us in a year that holds so much meaning for the entire Penrite family," Dymond added.
The black and gold livery, reminiscent of JPS, is a bold choice. In 2019, Erebus paid tribute to those colors, and now Grove Racing continues the tradition.
But the story doesn't end there. Grove Racing is also preparing for the Bathurst 12 Hour next weekend, fielding a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Allen, Davison, and Brenton Grove.
So, what do you think of this stunning livery? Is it a fitting tribute to Penrite's legacy? And will Grove Racing's bold look bring them luck on the track? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
