Grove: No indication Payne won't race for Penrite Racing in 2027

Penrite Racing CEO Brenton Grove insists Matt Payne is contracted until 2027, insisting the expectation is that the Bathurst champion will fulfil his contract with the team.

Speculation has been rife over Payne’s future amid overtures from General Motors. Payne made his first public comments on the speculation this week, but gave little away.

When asked about his future on MotorRacing 360, Payne said: “I can’t really shed too much light on it at the moment.

“My job at the moment is to go fast in the race car I’m in — that’s the Ford Mustang with Penrite Racing, so that’s what I’m focused on."

Speaking to media in New Zealand on the eve of the ITM Taupō Super 440, Grove reiterated that Payne is locked in for next season, and that “nothing should change on that front.”

“Matt’s contracted until the end of 2027,” Grove said.

“As far as we're aware, Matt will be driving for us in 2027. There’s not much more to say.

“Our agreement’s been in place since 2024, and nothing’s changed during that time. We both have obligations to the agreement, and as far as we’re aware, nothing should change on that front.”

When asked if there was any scenario that Payne wouldn’t line up for his team next year, Grove replied: “I’ve been around long enough to not say anything’s absolute.

“But at the end of the day, there’s two parties to the agreement. We’re very clear on what our obligations are, and Matt’s very clear on his.

“At that point, it’s out of our control. We’ll keep going and have the expectation he drives our car. If that doesn’t end up being the case, I can’t comment on that now.

“There’s nothing that will indicate that he shouldn’t be driving for us next year.”

Payne sits fourth in the championship ahead of this weekend’s event, with track action commencing on Friday.