In a move that has sent shockwaves through the racing community, Grove Racing and Dale Wood have decided to part ways, marking a significant shift in the team's lineup. But here's where it gets intriguing: this announcement comes just as the team is on the brink of wholesale changes, with Garth Tander contemplating a full-time career shift into broadcasting. Could this be the end of an era for the Penrite-backed squad as we know it? (https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2025-bathurst-1000-garth-tander-grove-racing-contract-future-tv-commentator-2026/)
Wood, who joined the team in 2024 alongside Richie Stanaway and later partnered with Kai Allen in 2025, expressed deep gratitude for his time with Penrite Racing. “I am incredibly proud to have been part of this team for the past two years,” Wood shared, reflecting on his 18th Bathurst 1000 start this year. “Witnessing the team’s growth and being part of their Bathurst win this year are moments I’ll cherish forever. The warmth and camaraderie I experienced every time I walked through those doors were unlike anything I’ve ever known, and I’m truly thankful for that.”
“I’m excited to see what the future holds, both for the team and for myself,” Wood added, leaving fans curious about his next steps. And this is the part most people miss: despite the challenges, Wood and Allen secured an impressive eighth-place finish in this year’s Great Race. This achievement is even more remarkable considering Allen’s car was forced off the road twice—first by Jack Le Brocq of Erebus Motorsport at Murray’s Corner, and then by Brodie Kostecki of Dick Johnson Racing at Hell Corner.
Grove Racing CEO Brenton Grove didn’t hold back in praising Wood’s contributions. “Dale has been an invaluable asset to Grove Racing, significantly aiding the development of our main game drivers and playing a pivotal role in Kai’s rookie season,” Grove stated. “His unwavering professionalism and dedication over the past two seasons have not gone unnoticed. We are immensely grateful for his efforts and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
Now, here’s where it gets controversial: among the potential replacements for Wood—and possibly Tander—is Matt Campbell, a favorite of Stephen Grove. While Campbell’s future with Porsche remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the schedules for The Bend 500 and Bathurst 1000 in 2026 do not conflict with any IMSA SportsCar Championship events. Could this be a strategic move by Grove Racing to bring in fresh talent? Or is there more to this story than meets the eye? We’ll leave that for you to decide in the comments—what do you think about these changes, and who would you like to see join the team next?
