Matt Payne was one of the stars of a dramatic Race 6, going from last to 11th, but was frustrated by the circumstances of a potential great result not eventuating yet again at Albert Park.
Starting third, Payne had a great shot at scoring a first podium of 2025, but those chances disappeared as soon as Turn 1.
With the Kiwi on the outside of a three wide battle going into Turn 1, contact between Will Davison and Cooper Murray saw the #99 send the #19 into a spin.
As a result Payne found himself last, but this did not prevent him from charging through the field.
Even though only 12 racing laps were possible, the young Kiwi still blazed his way to 11th and fell just two tenths short of the top 10.
Unfortunately it is the latest chapter in the growing story of near misses for Payne at Albert Park after separate incidents ruined two races he was leading last year.
Whilst many were impressed by his drive, Payne was disappointed he was scrapping for points rather than a podium.
“It was uncalled for really having to drive back through the field,” he told Auto Action.
“It was really disappointing because we got ourselves in such a good position in qualifying.
“I did not get a really good start, but it does not help that you had people trying to go three wide
“It is disappointing to end up around. Wrong place, wrong time.
“The drive through the field was really good. I just took every opportunity I could get basically.
“We had a pretty speedy car, but just disappointed I had to do that.”
Whilst Payne is yet to personally approach driving standards observer Craig Baird, the Grove Racing Kiwi feels the uncertainty of what is and is not accepted is why there is so much action at the Melbourne SuperSprint.
“It is just strange,” Payne said.
“There are a lot of drivers in the field that race you really well and there are some others that don’t so it is hard to pick who is going to do what.
“There seems to be a lot of inconsistency and there has not been too much said about what is right and what is not.
“It is tough for drivers when they don’t really know what the limit is and that is why you are seeing a lot of desperation out there at some points and really good racing at others.
“I am sure we will find that out in the not too distant future.”
Payne will start the final race of the Melbourne SuperSprint from sixth.
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