There will be a new Kiwi on the block come the 2023 Supercars campaign, the signing of Matt Payne today formally confirmed for Penrite Racing.
Whilst its been no secret of Grove Racing to incorporate Payne into Penrite full-time following comments made by owner Stephen Grove earlier this year, the confirmation all but locks in his place on the grid come 2023.
The announcement also confirmed David Reynolds has re-signed with the outfit, the veteran-rookie pairing seen as one which will benefit both drivers as the series heads into the new Gen3 era.
After just one full season in Super2, Payne heads to Bathurst for his debut Bathurst 1000 where he will partner the retiring Lee Holdsworth next weekend.
In an interview with supercars.com, the 19-year-old shared his excitement of the signing and the support received from Grove Racing.
“It’s a nice feeling to announce this prior to heading to Mount Panorama for my first Bathurst 1000,” Payne said.
“I would like to thank the whole Grove Group especially Steve, Brenton and Tania for placing so much belief in my ability from a very early stage in my racing career, and to my personal crew for making it all fall into place so early on.
“I feel ready for Supercars and the learning process that goes with it. Grove Racing is a team that has enormous potential and plenty of upside to succeed.
“The new Gen3 era is going to be exciting, and I can’t wait to hit the track next year but first is Bathurst.
“Lee and I have a job to do there, as well as my Super2 campaign, which we are still in with a shot of winning in our first year.”
Grove Racing team principal David Cauchi also shared his excitement in the interview, recognising the Reynolds/Payne partnership as one which will benefit both drivers.
“Our driver line-up next year provides us with a good mix of youth and experience,” he said.
“Dave has been a real leader for us and has shown everyone this year that he can be at the pointy end when he has the right car to work with, so we’re glad to extend our relationship with him.
“Matt has been a part of the Grove Junior Team and will be the first driver to come through that program and graduate to a main series seat.
“He has shown his ability in our Super2 car this year, and it will be exciting to see a fast rookie in the Supercars Championship,” Cauchi continues.
“With the change to Gen3 cars and regulations in 2023, everyone will be adapting and learning a new car, so it will be a challenge for all drivers and teams.”
In his debut year of Super2 this year, Payne, who turns 20 on Monday, claimed his maiden podium in just the second race, a P2 in Sydney. He then went on to win the very next one in Perth, before concluding that weekend with a P2 in Race 2, seeing him claim overall round honours.
The year has been a busy one for the Aucklander, who has also taken to the track in the European Le Mans Series LMGTE class for JMW Motorsport in a Ferrari 488 GTE Evo, where he partners Giacomo Petrobelli and Sean Hudspeth.
He also frequents endurance races with Earl Bamber Motorsport, including participating in this years 24 hours of Spa-Francorchamps with Grove, Grove’s son Brenton Grove and Adrian Henry de Silva.
For now, Payne still has unfinished business in 2022, firstly with a busy weekend in the Bathurst 1000 where he will also compete in Super2, before the season final round of Super2 in Adelaide over December 1-4.
The 2023 season is expected to get underway in March, with Payne making his full-time debut as his rise to success continues.
