Matt Payne was on double duties over the weekend as he took to compete in Dunlop Super2 Series as well as co-driver in the Great Race alongside reigning champ, Lee Holdsworth for Penrite Racing.
Grove Racing was proudly sporting a new livery with sponsor, Lightning Cleans, whose striking design stood out on the iconic Mount Panorama circuit.
In the first practice sessions of Super2, Payne placed himself third with an impressive time of 2:16.701s and a top ten finish in second practice after the session was suspended for 20 minutes due to a crash at Turn 2.
Qualifying saw Payne place P4 on the grid ahead of the first race.
In tumultuous conditions, Race 1 started and ended under safety car after Mouzouris crashed out leading to a suspended race on lap 6 with Payne scoring himself third place.
The second qualifying session of the weekend had our young gun, Payne finish in second place and starting off of front row for the feature race.
Unfortunately due to the heavy rains on Saturday, the final race of the weekend commenced and finished behind the safety car after six laps as the race was cancelled.
Payne was classified third as a result of his first race finish, earning himself Rookie of the Round honours which was presented on the iconic Bathurst podium.
Matt Payne on the Podium Receiving his Trophies
The final round of Super2 2022 season will be run at the VALO Adelaide 500 on December 1-4.
Payne's main game debut saw him finish in an outstanding P6 alongside Holdsworth in the Penrite Racing Ford Mustang where Lee roared off the line to lead the pack on lap 1.
Payne's impressive double stint saw him mixing with Supercars stars such as Shane Van Gisbergen, Chaz Mostert, Garth Tander and Cam Waters before he pitted on lap 58.
Car #10 co-driver Matt Payne, said: “I was very excited this morning but I tried to just simplify my role out there today to give Lee a shot at the end so I’m happy I was able to do that.”
“Our car was down on speed on the straights so it was tough to make any ground on the lead bunch.
“I’m happy to finish the race in P6, I can’t wait to come back here next year.”
Follow Grove Junior Team and Matthew Payne on Facebook and Instagram.
Comments