A clinical performance from Matthew Payne in the second Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race of the weekend gave the youngster his debut series podium.
Payne charged from tenth to third in the 28-lap affair around the Townsville street circuit, which was littered with crashes.
The first major accident saw an unrestrained Simon Fallon clatter the rear of Craig Lowndes. Both cars were eliminated on the spot while Lowndes’ machine ignited.
A few laps later witnessed a hefty shunt involving Adrian Flack and Sam Shahin, with the latter sent into the air momentarily.
The crash neutralised the field for several laps and reduced the race to a time-certain finish.
Payne, who yesterday drove from dead last to tenth, steered clear of trouble and was methodical with his overtakes on his way to a maiden podium.
Cooper Murray took the race win after an excellent start to move from fourth to first, while series leader Cameron Hill finished second.
Payne will have one more race this weekend, with his strong pace this weekend seeing him knock on the door of a first win.
That race will be 17 laps and begins at 2.45 pm NZT.
