Eyes forward for home hero Payne

Melbourne may be a tale of ‘what could have been,’ but Matt Payne heads to his first home race full of confidence.

Despite only being at the start of his second Supercars season, Payne is in a purple patch of form stretching back to Gold Coast last year.

After ending his rookie season with a win, he has carried that momentum into 2024 with back-to-back podiums in Albert Park.

The youngster even led the final two races at the Australian Grand Prix, but both of them ended in tears.

However, the Grove Racing talent still sits seventh in the standings, much higher than 14th last year.

The next stop for Payne is, fittingly, his first home race at Taupo and he feels both driver and team have the form, confidence and speed to chase special results and even contend for the iconic Jason Richards Trophy.

“It will be my first time racing Supercars in New Zealand in Supercars and the atmosphere will be something to remember,” Payne told AUTO ACTION.

“Obviously we definitely got on top of the car at the end of last year and have had a pretty strong run this year as well.

Matt Payne’s special kiwi livery a hit with the home fans in Taupo. Image: Penrite Racing

“At Bathurst we were probably not as fast as we wanted to be but at the AGP we had the car speed with a few good races and got unlucky in the others.

“That was a tough pill to swallow but the car speed is promising so it is good timing for us having this race now.”

Reflecting further on the Melbourne SuperSprint where Payne was taken out of the lead in back to back races from separate incidents with Cam Waters and Chaz Mostert, the Kiwi has moved on.

He revealed he has spoken with both of the Ford rivals involved and is ready to go all in on home turf.

“Obviously we qualified really well and had pretty decent race pace, so those two podiums were really promising,” Payne said.

“The Red Bull cars have been really hard to beat so it was unfortunate to be in the lead and have it taken away. 

“Both times we were in a pretty good spot to have a chance of winning the race. But that is the way it goes sometimes and you have to move on quickly.

“I have spoken to both Cam and Chaz and we are all good now, just water under the bridge.

“Good to go to Taupo with a clear mind and focus on the job of being as fast as we can and win.”

Taupo Super400 schedule (all times AEDT)

Friday, April 19

Practice: 10.55

Saturday, April 20

Qualifying Race 7: 08.20

Top 10 Shootout: 10.00

Race 7 (60 laps): 13.05

Sunday, April 21

Qualifying Race 8: 08.45

Top 10 Shootout: 10.25

Race 7 (60 laps): 13.05

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Podcast: We’re going to Taupo… Tow Paw… Whatever. Supercars is back!

After a break that feels like months, the Supercars Championship is back and headed across the ditch to Taupo in the middle of the North Island. And yes, Brodie Kostecki will be there! As will the rain.

Somehow, the rain will also be in China for F1’s return to 中国. Philip Island was stunning on the weekend, just gone, if a little cold, but we chatted about whether Supercars should return to the land of penguins.

Plus, there’s more… all the news in the way only the Auto Action RevLimiter can deliver.

Listen to our latest episode on your podcast app of choice or here