GROVE STILL ON THE HUNT FOR SECOND DRIVER FOR 2022

The second Supercars seat is still up for grabs at Grove Racing after confirmation that Junior Team driver Matthew Payne will race in Dunlop Super2 next season in preparation for a full-time Supercars drive in 2023.

The 18-year-old New Zealander had been suggested as the front runner to take the seat vacated by Andre Hiemgartner next season, however, the youngster would have required SuperLicense dispensation to step up to the main game next year.

“I’m proud that Grove Racing will be represented on the Super2 grid next year, highlighting the team’s role in supporting and nurturing young talent in Australian motorsport,” said Grove.

“Having Matthew represent the team and our partners is extremely exciting and shows the future direction that Grove Racing is headed.

“Having analysed Matt this year, it was clear that he’s a talent of the sport and someone we want to invest in. His speed and maturity is exceptional for the time he’s spent in not just a Supercar, but in racing cars in general. This year was his first year racing cars, so we’re pretty excited about the foundations we can build upon.

“He will continue his development within the team, working hand in hand with the main game squad and acting as a sponge to learn from the experience we have within the team.”

Grove Racing has now confirmed it will continue to run a Super2 series program for Payne will compete in 2022 after competing in the last two events this year.

At Bathurst, Payne finished the final race in fifth place amongst the fast field, and he says that he is looking to use this early experience to best effect in 2022.

The team confirmed that the program, which will run alongside its two-car Supercars team, is intended to prepare Payne to step up to a full-time seat in the 2023 Repco Supercar Championship.

“I’m excited to get the opportunity to compete in the full Dunlop Super2 Series next year, by competing in Super 2 this will give me the flexibility to compete in further endurance racing formats and advance my preparation for main game with Grove Racing in 2023,” said Payne.

“I have been given the opportunity to drive the team’s main series Mustangs and its Super2 Nissans, so I feel that I am as prepared as I could be to compete for race wins and podiums.

“It was awesome to race in the series in the final two rounds at Sydney Motorsport Park and Bathurst. The experience I gained there was phenomenal.

“These cars are a real thrill to drive, and I have to thank Stephen and Brenton for the trust and loyalty in giving me this chance.”

The first round of the 2022 Dunlop Super2 season commences on the streets of Newcastle on March 4-6 alongside the Repco Supercars Championship.

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