Broc Feeney "wasn’t going to back out" of Matt Payne battle
Feeney got one back over Payne in closing stages of Race 27
Payne and Feeney traded wins in dramatic scenes in Perth
Broc Feeney made no secret that he’s here to fight with Matt Payne, despite admitting his Repco Sprint Cup defence is on life support.
Feeney needs a miracle to deny Payne victory in the 2026 Sprint Cup. However, if the last two rounds are anything to go by, Feeney won't take it lying down.
After two dramatic flashpoints in Perth, headlined by contact for the win the finale, Payne and Feeney again got too close for comfort, this time at Queensland Raceway.
In a manic Safety Car restart, Payne defended from Feeney down the pit straight when the race restarted on lap 34, as their respective teammates battled for the lead ahead.
Feeney refused to back down as Payne escorted him towards driver's right, and claimed the position. Feeney then picked off Payne's teammate Kai Allen, before settling for second.
Payne came home sixth, with Allen fourth — a chastening result for Penrite Racing after their drivers headed the field.
Feeney entered Saturday up against it, and 17th on Sunday would be enough for Payne to win the Sprint Cup, no matter what Feeney does. Feeney, though, took more out of letting his rival know he was there.
“It’s an extreme long shot,” Feeney admitted when asked about the Sprint Cup.
“My Dad said to me after the race, 'We’ve still got a shot at the Sprint Cup', and I said, ‘It’s the last thing on my mind’.
“Obviously Matty had a rough one there. We got together down the straight.
“I certainly wasn’t going to back out of it. He’s got a bit more to lose than I do in those situations.”
Feeney, who has one win in his last 11 starts, conceded the #19 Penrite crew and its driver would be worthy winners of the Sprint Cup, and insists winning races is his priority.
“They're deserving of it,” Feeney said of Payne and his team.
“For us, if we can within a shot of winning a race tomorrow, to be honest, that would mean more than [the Sprint Cup].”
The final day of the 2026 Repco Sprint Cup commences with Boost Mobile Qualifying at 10:45am local time.
