Supercars drivers wondering where the line is
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 24 March 2025
Not for the first time, Supercars driving standards and how they are policed have come into question at the Melbourne SuperSprint.
Despite only three of the four races taking place and just one reaching the full distance, the second round of the season was littered with incidents.
Whilst the shorter sprint format and twisty nature of Albert Park lends itself to intense racing, some drivers are wondering where the line is.
One who went from the front of the pack to the back was Matt Payne, who was spun around on the opening corner of Race 6.
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 was uncalled for really having to drive back through the field,” he told Auto Action.
“I did not get a really good start, but it does not help that you had people trying to go three wide into a corner where as we have seen that usually ends up with someone in the gravel.
“It is just strange. 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, but I am sure we will find that out soon.
“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.”
Erebus’ Jack Le Brocq copped some of the most bad luck, seeing two much-needed top 10s go begging.
“It’s just a whole bunch of craziness, I don’t know what’s going on this weekend,” said a frustrated Le Brocq.
“It’s frustrating. I don’t know what’s going on at the moment.
“I feel like we’re DVS (Super2) and think we need to have a good hard look at ourselves and clean up our act.
The reins have been let loose a little bit the last couple of rounds, and I’m all for seeing some good hard racing, but there’s a bit of silliness going on.
“I don’t know the answer to it.”
However, one driver who has contacted Baird for clarity is MSR’s Nick Percat and he actually believes things after now clear.
“I reached out to Bairdo, wanting to understand a bit more where it’s all at and I’ve got a real clear understanding of what we can do now,” he said.
“I was definitely confused after Sydney, but it looks the way the rules were applied with that amazing battle at the end of the SMP race, that is what I feel like the go is.
“I think it puts on really good racing and great for the spectacle, the fans and sponsors.
“We’ve actually got people speaking about the sport and loving it.
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