Title fight rocked by Matt Payne, Chaz Mostert dramas
Payne Ford, Mostert Toyota slow following opening round of stops
Payne led Sprint Cup, Mostert entered Sunday 287 points clear of 11th
The 2026 championship fight has been rocked by dramas for Matt Payne and Chaz Mostert, with both star drivers taken out of contention in the Ipswich finale.
Both Bathurst champions were forced into the garage after the second round of stops, with the issues incurring a major twist in both the make-up of the Finals field, and the destiny of the Repco Sprint Cup.
Mostert started fifth for Sunday's Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440, and was picked off by Repco Sprint Cup favourite Payne early on.
As Mostert changed down gears into Turn 4 on lap 25, the engine note dramatically changed in the #1 Mobil 1 Optus Supra, slowing the reigning champ.
Mostert crawled down the run to Turn 6, and managed to get his car into pit lane. However, it crawled to a near stop, with Walkinshaw TWG crew running down the lane to retrieve the Toyota.
Walkinshaw TWG mechanics quickly lifted the bonnet on the Mostert car, which was fitted with the new upgraded 'B-spec' engine for the weekend, one of four Supras to do so.
It was a cruel twist for Mostert after brilliant form since his Darwin DNF, with only three drivers scoring more points than the Queenslander across the Townsville and Perth rounds.
Just six laps later, Payne also slowed and returned to pit lane, and went straight into the garage. The team initially reported the #19 Penrite Ford had lost a cylinder, before later stating it was an electrical issue.
The damage was done for both drivers, Mostert facing a second DNF of the season and first since Darwin, with Payne staring down the barrel of losing the Sprint Cup to Broc Feeney.
Payne entered the race with a 110-point lead and only needing to finish 17th to secure the Repco Sprint Cup for the first time. Instead, Feeney won the race, and the Sprint Cup.
“It sucks. We did everything right today,” Payne said on the broadcast.
“Next thing the motor just sounded like it was an electrical issue. Really gutted."
The 2026 Repco Supercars Championship shifts to enduro mode at the AirTouch 500 at The Bend on September 11-13.
