Payne's Bathurst breakthrough earns prestigious recognition

Matt Payne's stunning triumph in the 2025 Repco Bathurst 1000 has been nominated for a prestigious sporting award in his native New Zealand.

Payne's maiden Bathurst win alongside Garth Tander has been listed as one of 12 nominees for New Zealand's Favourite Sporting Moment at the 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards.

Starting a lowly 18th on the grid, Payne had to overcome a myriad of potential race-ending scenarios throughout an epic near-seven hour encounter that has gone down in Bathurst 1000 folklore.

First co-driver Tander almost found himself turned into the Pit Straight wall within the opening 10 laps of the race, before Payne ran over the shock absorber of Tony D'Alberto's crashed Mustang just short of one-third distance.

As the rains arrived, Payne emerged as a legitimate contender for the win, becoming embroiled in a frenetic 20-lap duel to the finish with James Golding and Cooper Murray.

In a supreme display of talent and bravery, Payne attempted to round Murray up for the lead around the outside of The Chase on Lap 153 of 161, and was lucky to escape an almighty moment on the grass.

Murray was then spun out by Golding four laps later, with Payne then inheriting the lead and fending off a last-gasp attempt for the lead from a flying David Reynolds to claim a memorable win.

“Matt Payne’s Bathurst 1000 victory was one of those rare sporting moments that stopped the nation,” said MotorSport New Zealand President Deborah Day.

“To win at Mount Panorama in such extreme conditions requires exceptional talent, courage, and strength.

"This recognition at the Halberg Awards highlights not only Matthew’s achievement, but the depth of motorsport excellence New Zealand continues to produce.”

The award is decided by a public vote, with voting now open to New Zealand residents only via https://halberg.co.nz/halberg-awards/vote/.

Voting is open until 8:30pm on Monday, February 16, with fans allowed to vote once a day within New Zealand. The awards will be shown live in New Zealand via Sky Sport and on free-to-air via Sky Open.

Payne becomes the third Kiwi to be nominated for New Zealand's Favourite Sporting Moment through their Supercars efforts, with Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen both nominated several times before departing for America.

McLaughlin's 2019 Bathurst win was nominated, whilst van Gisbergen was nominated for his 2016 title win and also for his 2022 Bathurst win, before being nominated again in 2023 for his debut NASCAR win in Chicago.

McLaughlin was also nominated for Sportsman of the Year in 2018 and 2019, with van Gisbergen being nominated in 2022 and 2023.

The 2026 Repco Supercars Championship begins at the Sydney 500 from February 20-22. Tickets for the event are on sale now.