Taupō win would be ultimate for leading Kiwi Supercars driver

New Zealand’s leading driver in the Supercars Championship has his sights set on a home-soil victory in Taupō this weekend.

Twenty-two-year-old Matt Payne, of Penrite Racing, says a New Zealand win would be “cool if it happened".

“Obviously André [Heimgartner] did it last year which would have been very special for himself and all of the fans. I think it would definitely be one of my ultimate goals to achieve.”

Payne said the Taupō weekend last year was full of ups and downs when he won pole position for the Sunday race, then frustratingly fell just short of the podium.

Going into this weekend's round, he says he and his team have a better idea of what set-up is required to push for better results.

Taupō International Motorsport Park will host its second consecutive Supercar round this weekend,  April 11-13, following the closure of Pukekohe Motorsport Park in 2023.

Payne currently sits in sixth position on championship points and is the highest scoring New Zealander so far this year.

LISTEN: Payne shares the importance of a New Zealand Supercars round.

Payne and his team go into this weekend with a better idea of what is required. Photo: Penrite Racing.

The Supercars 2025 season lasts for 10 months, with 12 events across Australia and one in New Zealand.

Supercars has 24 championship drivers, five of whom are New Zealanders: Matt Payne, Richie Stanaway, Ryan Wood, Jaxon Evans and last year's Saturday winner, André Heimgartner.

Payne says he looks forward to more home rounds in the future and indicated that next year an extra round could be added to the calendar at Ruapuna Motorsport Park in Christchurch for a double-header’New Zealand tour.

“South Island fans will be able to go to a race as well so I think that's really important. Logistically it's definitely a little bit of a challenge, but it's nothing that Supercars hasn't done in the past or can’t achieve so it definitely would be awesome,” says Payne.

A Supercars spokesperson confirmed in a statement there had been great interest among their stakeholders and supporters for a second New Zealand round, which they are continuing to explore.

Matt Payne’s New Zealand -inspired livery on display for last year's Track to Town event at Taupō's waterfront. Photo: Penrite Racing.

According to the Supercars statement, New Zealand events have attracted more than two million Kiwi fans since its debut in 2001 with 67,000 of those attending the 2024 inaugural Taupō event.

The statement said the New Zealand round was important for the Supercars calendar.

“The New Zealand round holds a special place on the Supercars calendar and easily stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best events in Australia.”

“Kiwi fans are some of the most passionate and knowledgeable in the world, and the energy they bring to the track creates an unforgettable atmosphere for drivers and teams alike.”