After eight rounds and 25 races, the 2026 Repco Sprint Cup battle boils down to a three-horse race at the Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440.
Matt Payne is in the box seat to claim his Golden Ticket to the Finals, entering with a 118-point advantage over Broc Feeney, whilst Cam Waters is an outside chance at 275 points behind.
Returning to the calendar for the first time since 2019 last year, Queensland Raceway put on an action-packed show in three races, and you can expect the same this year with a lot on the line throughout the field.
Ahead of the final sprint event of 2026, Supercars.com pick out five bold predictions ahead of Ipswich.
Brown breaks his duck
Will Brown will arrive at Ipswich armed with an unraced chassis, and with clarity over his struggles in 2026 to date. A lot has been said about the engine discrepancy, but that will all be hearsay when he lines up at Queensland Raceway. It's apt that what could be the major turning point of the season comes at the scene of his last win 12 months ago. He very rarely lets a race win slip when it's on the table, that'll be especially prudent in Ipswich.
De Pasquale climbs into top four
Is it fair to call someone who has won two races and flown the Chevrolet flag an unsung hero? Anton De Pasquale has had arguably the season of his career in 2026, and a double podium in Perth has put him right in the conversation to climb into the top five in points, ahead of Kai Allen. However, with Brodie Kostecki only 55 points up the road in fourth, another strong weekend from the #18 could put him firmly in the mix for a very strong Finals seeding.
BRT rediscovers form
When Triple Eight have been firing, technical allies Blanchard Racing Team have done the same. But by the same token, both teams have been experiencing a lean patch of late. However, Perth was encouraging for the team, a strong run to seventh for Aaron Cameron further proof that he is maturing with every race. James Golding, meanwhile, continues to cling to the bubble, just 20 points out. Triple Eight's Ipswich knowhow could be crucial.
Gray to claim three top 10s
Perth was a breakthrough weekend for Rylan Gray, who was as close to his illustrious teammate Brodie Kostecki as he has been all year. Dual top 10 qualifying efforts to kick off the weekend were another green shoot as the teenager continues to build into the season. Gray completed a full rookie day at Queensland Raceway back in February, and it could allow him to hit the ground running, and finish in the top 10 in all three races.
Another wildcard scores Shootout stunner
Last year it was Zach Bates who stunned Supercars with an incredible debut qualifying effort to qualify fifth in the Boost Mobile Top Ten Shootout. This year, three wildcards join the grid in Ipswich, debutants Bayley Hall and Ben Gomersall, who step up from Super2 with Team 18 and Tickford, and the returning Aaron Seton at Matt Stone Racing. All three will be eager to put their names up in lights, and throw their names into any potential silly season twists.
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