Payne sounds warning to field after ominous Penrite performance
Penrite Racing Fords stalked Broc Feeney in Sydney finale
Grove squad was on for double podium in Sydney before car issue for Kai Allen
Payne level on points with Feeney heading to Melbourne
Matt Payne "absolutely" believes Penrite Racing has what it takes to have both team cars fighting at the front across 2026 after an ominous showing in the Sydney finale.
Payne and teammate Kai Allen haunted Broc Feeney's Red Bull Ampol Mustang through the final race at the DUNLOP Sydney 500.
Allen was Feeney's chief antagonist, first bumping doors on the run to Turn 1 after lights went out, before completing a stunning overtake after the Safety Car restart.
A steering issue ultimately ruled Allen out, but Payne was right there to keep the pressure on the #88 Ford in the run to the chequered flag.
Feeney had enough to bring the win home, but second for Payne ensured the two Fords are tied at the top on points. Feeney is only ahead on countback courtesy of his wins.
When asked if he feels Penrite Racing can have both Fords firing in 2026, Payne replied: “Absolutely.
“We were both there in the 10 today in qualifying, and he did a really good job with his Shootout lap.
“He was there when I wasn’t, up the front. It’s great to have two cars really fast over this weekend."
While Payne scored more points than Allen, the latter had the headline moments with a maiden front row and two bold moves, all on Sunday.
It was a big statement by sophomore driver Allen, all of 20 years old, who genuinely led a Supercars race for the first time.
After a weekend of clear gains from practice to Sunday night, Payne was hopeful both cars can build off what was a career best start to the season for the Bathurst winner.
It comes at a good time, give team boss Stephen Grove wasn't content with finishing second in Sydney, saying: "Honestly, anything but a win is now a failure for us, so we’ve got to continue to work hard and tick everything off and continue to grow as a team."
Payne continued: “I didn’t quite have the race pace today, we’ll look at that. He obviously had a really fast car, so a good data point to go off there.
“He’s doing a killer job. Hopefully we can truck on for the rest of the year.”
Track action at the Grand Prix commences on Thursday March 5.
