Adrenaline junkies Matt Payne and Garth Tander marked their first Great Race win on a thrilling day for Grove Racing across the Bathurst 1000 weekend. This victory is no small feat, as Payne is relatively new to the game. Not only does he finally claim his first Bathurst crown, but he places himself firmly in contention of Ford’s first Supercars title in five years.
The Oct. 8, 2023 race didn’t go as anyone thought it would. Payne initially crossed the finish line second but was awarded the win when James Golding was given a five-second penalty. This ruling allowed Payne to take home the coveted grand prize title. It capped off his career-best season, which included four race victories, nine total podiums and one pole position.
Since April, Payne’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric in the competitive Supercars series. His talent certainly shown through when he won two of three sprint races at the Taupo 440. He won the championship-winning victory at Bathurst, winning the first-ever Enduro Cup. This accomplishment marked him, more than anyone else, as the man to beat in the championship fight.
“Bathurst was always very high on our list when I first joined Supercars,” – Matt Payne
It proved an exciting race, and the Bathurst 1000 victory created a nationwide television audience so big it nearly eclipsed on-track success. Payne looking to embark on championship hunt Payne is preparing for the long-haul championship chase. He’ll start the action in a pulse-pounding, three-round sudden-death series at the Gold Coast 500. It’s this last series that will be critical, as he seeks to finish strong and close the gap on current series leader Broc Feeney.
As things sit heading into the finals, Feeney is at the top of the standings, holding only a 30-point lead over Payne. The chief challengers are the other top eight drivers, led by Brodie Kostecki, Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood. Supercars next on-track action resumes on October 24 at the Gold Coast 500. Payne would be equally keen to build on his momentum from Bathurst and grab his chances.
“We’re just doing everything we can to work towards that and try and lock that out,” – Matt Payne
In addition to Payne’s achievement, Garth Tander celebrated his sixth victory at Australia’s most prestigious motorsport race. Tander’s experience and skill would prove decisive in winning this coveted win and doing so with the youngest driver on his new team.
The race was not without its challenges. After a crash took David Reynolds out of the visibility marred latter stages, he lamented how dangerous the conditions were.
“It was so dark. We’re doing 300km/h and I can’t even see anything,” – Dave Reynolds
While these challenges were present, the Bathurst 1000 provided a display of exciting racing and passion between competitors. James Golding was the first across the line in third position. In judging his infraction, he received a demotion that altered the outcome of this storied event.
“Who’s in front of me, who’s beside me — I’ve got no idea. It was just scary,” – Dave Reynolds
The championship series is heading toward its exciting finish. For now, all eyes are on Matt Payne as he attempts to clinch Ford’s first Supercars title since 2018. With the Gold Coast 500 on the horizon, fans of Supercars eagerly anticipate more high-stakes racing as contenders vie for the championship.
As the championship series approaches its conclusion, all eyes will remain on Matt Payne as he aims to clinch Ford’s first Supercars title since 2018. With the Gold Coast 500 on the horizon, fans of Supercars eagerly anticipate more high-stakes racing as contenders vie for the championship.
