New Zealand driver Matt Payne produced a remarkable comeback to win his maiden Bathurst 1000, charging from 18th on the grid in torrential conditions to triumph alongside co-driver Garth Tander at Mount Panorama.
The race saw multiple crashes and changing fortunes, with Payne spinning off while chasing the leaders before capitalising on a late collision between Cooper Murray and James Golding to seize control.
Despite Golding briefly retaking the lead, a five-second penalty handed Payne the victory on corrected time. Tander celebrated his sixth Bathurst crown, praising Payne’s composure and skill in what he called a “seriously impressive drive.”
