Why Feeney isn't satisfied despite seizing championship lead

Broc Feeney is pleased to take the championship lead to Tasmania, but insists wins are a more important currency amid a tight battle at the top.

The Red Bull Ampol Racing driver seized the points lead from Shell V-Power Racing Team rival Brodie Kostecki in Christchurch, with Penrite Racing star Matt Payne closing the gap in third. Through 13 races, just 46 points separates Feeney in first to Payne in third, with Kostecki just 23 points from the lead.

While payday comes in Adelaide in November, the battle for the lead carries weight given the winner of the Repco Sprint Cup clinches a Finals berth.

Feeney's consistency has keep him in the fight, despite four different drivers winning races since he last tasted victory at the Grand Prix in April.

However, given the level of competition in 2026, Feeney suggested consistency won't be enough to keep him at the top of the tree.

"It's obviously awesome to have the orange numbers back," Feeney said.

"I love having them on there. We had them on there for a long time last year. Seeing the yellow back on wasn't my favourite thing.

"We've done a good job to be consistent to this point of the season, but there's no doubt that we want to be a bit faster and get back to our winning ways.

"We started the year really strong with a couple of wins, but we haven't won in a couple of rounds now.

"For sure, Tassie's [about] trying to get back to the top step of the podium. I got the orange numbers in Tasmania last year and didn't lose them for the rest of the year, so that's certainly the plan to keep them on now."

Feeney commenced his charge to Sprint Cup glory in Tasmania last year. Between Tasmania and Ipswich, Feeney claimed 11 wins and nine pole positions from 15 attempts.

While he hasn't been the fastest to date this season, Feeney has — save for the Melbourne finale — stayed out of trouble, leading to Supercars legend Mark Winterbottom to label the Triple Eight star as the "smartest" driver on the grid.

Understanding the Ford package remains front of mind, but Feeney believes he has enough runs on the board to vie for all three wins this weekend.

"Tassie last year was one of the best that we had for the whole year," Feeney said.

"We were super fast from literally lap one of practice. Triple Eight's always been pretty good at Tasmania.

"We've had the big switch to Ford this year, so I'd like to take in a bit of confidence on what we've had in the past. But at the same time, we've got to learn this new package and we've been up and down a little bit this season.

"But we're trying to tick away, and hopefully a few things that we've learnt after New Zealand translates.

"I've got the confidence we can go there and fight for wins. I want to get back to trying to win three races in a weekend, and that's certainly my goal going to Tasmania."

Track action in Tasmania commences on Friday May 22.