In the wake of a career-defining performance at the ITM Taupō Super 440, Kiwi driver Matt Payne has declared his weekend victory in New Zealand the most complete and satisfying of his motorsport career. The 22-year-old Penrite Racing talent delivered a standout showing in front of a home crowd, collecting two race wins, a pole position, and the prestigious Jason Richards Memorial Trophy.
The results vaulted Payne to third in the Repco Supercars Championship standings, just 46 points behind leader Will Brown and well within reach of the top spot as the season rolls into Tasmania in May.
A Breakthrough on Home Soil
Competing on home turf in Taupō, Payne not only showcased blistering pace but also maturity and consistency rarely seen from such a young driver. He executed across all three races with precision, outperforming some of the most seasoned names in the field. His efforts were rewarded with not only silverware but also a huge leap forward in the title race.
“I think it’s pretty safe for me to say, I think this is definitely the best weekend I’ve had in motorsport,” Payne said on the Cool Down Lap podcast. “Probably the most complete, I’d say — just from a me point of view.”
Payne was full of praise for the Grove Racing outfit, who ensured the car was in top form throughout the Taupō weekend. “The team worked really hard before this round to make sure we came in prepared, and we just really executed well. Ultimately, that’s all we did — and the results show.”
Climbing the Leaderboard
Payne’s Taupō heroics have reshaped the championship picture. With Brown and Cam Waters separated by just 34 points at the top, Payne sits a further 12 points back, cementing his status as a serious contender in 2025.
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Behind the trio, Broc Feeney (-61 points), Chaz Mostert (-86), and defending champion Brodie Kostecki (-111) remain in striking distance, though Payne’s momentum may be the most significant storyline heading into Tasmania.
A Win for the Books
The Jason Richards Memorial Trophy holds deep emotional value for Kiwi motorsport fans, and Payne became only the third New Zealander to win the accolade — joining Greg Murphy and Shane van Gisbergen in the exclusive club. He also became the fifth Kiwi to win a Supercars race on home soil, a rare accomplishment that cements his status as one of the rising stars of the sport.
“It’s gonna sink in probably tomorrow,” Payne reflected after the weekend. “To win at home in front of the Kiwi fans — it’s a special feeling. And to take the Jason Richards Trophy is just the cherry on top.”
At only 22 years old, Payne already has an Adelaide 500 win under his belt. With this weekend’s Taupō triumph, he adds another milestone to his resume and sets his sights on two of the biggest prizes in Australian motorsport: the Bathurst 1000 and the championship crown.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite his success in Taupō, Payne remains grounded and focused on consistency across the remainder of the season. “We’re obviously in a good position in the championship now after a good weekend,” he said. “But we have two bogey tracks coming up, so we’re gonna have to work hard to try and have speed at both of those.”
The next two rounds, which have historically challenged Penrite Racing, will be a test of the team’s ability to convert recent momentum into long-term success. Payne emphasized the importance of building consistency, particularly with Bathurst and the championship in focus.
“Everyone has their sights set on Bathurst and definitely the championship for me,” he said. “It was a bit of a mixed bag of points that came out of this weekend. Some of the front guys struggled — Red Bull didn’t have the weekend they wanted. Cam obviously didn’t have the week he really wanted either. So for us, we really took advantage of that.”
Youth and Experience: A Winning Blend
What makes Payne’s performance particularly impressive is the poise and strategic maturity he displayed throughout the Taupō weekend. Often, young drivers are praised for raw speed or bold overtaking moves. Payne, however, delivered a complete package — fast qualifying, tactical racing, and calm under pressure.
This blend of youthful energy and composed execution is what teams dream of, and Grove Racing appear to have found a gem in Payne. The Penrite Racing team has built a solid foundation, and their continued investment in Payne is beginning to pay significant dividends.
Eyes on Tasmania
The Repco Supercars Championship continues with the Snowy River Caravans Tasmania Super 440 from May 9–11. The tight and technical layout at Symmons Plains Raceway will offer a new challenge for all drivers — one that Payne says he and the team are already preparing for.
“It’s all about maximising every session — qualifying is going to be key. We need to keep building,” he said. “We’re in this now, and we want to stay in the fight all year.”
Payne’s statement echoes a renewed belief inside the Penrite Racing garage, one that suggests they are no longer just aiming for podiums — they are hunting a title.
A New Era for Kiwi Motorsport?
With Shane van Gisbergen now racing in the United States, New Zealand motorsport fans have been looking for their next homegrown hero in Supercars. Payne’s performance in Taupō suggests they may have found him.
A mix of humility, maturity, and raw speed, Payne embodies the kind of driver who can capture the imagination of a nation. While there’s a long season ahead, his trajectory points toward greatness.
Whether he becomes a champion this year or not, it’s clear that Payne is no longer a prospect — he’s a contender. And in Taupō, he proved he’s ready for the big stage.
Next Race: Snowy River Caravans Tasmania Super 440
Dates: May 9–11, 2025
Location: Symmons Plains Raceway, Tasmania
Tickets: On sale now
