New Zealand driver Matt Payne wins the Jason Richards Trophy today at the 2025 ITM Taupō Super440, Event 02 of the Repco Supercars Championship, Taupō International Motorsport Park, Taupō, , New Zealand. 13 Apr, 2025. Photo: Mark Horsburgh/EDGE Photographics
New Zealand's Matt Payne has capped an incredible weekend after winning the final race and taking overall honours at the Taupo 440 Supercars Championship on home soil.
The 22-year-old Aucklander claimed the Jason Richards Trophy after speeding to victory in an assured performance at the Taupo Motorsport Park.
The Penrite Racing driver took the lead from Cameron Hill on lap eight of the 61-lap race after starting sixth on the grid.
Payne emerged behind Hill in second position after a frantic first lap, after pole-sitter Brodie Kostecki was pushed wide by Ryan Wood.
After passing Hill for the lead, Payne was peerless, joining Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin as Kiwi winners of the Jason Richards Trophy.
Following in the footsteps of McLaughlin and van Gisbergen, an ecstatic Payne said the win was a dream come true.
New Zealand driver Matt Payne wins the Jason Richards Trophy today at the 2025 ITM Taupō Super440, Event 02 of the Repco Supercars Championship, Taupō International Motorsport Park, Taupō, , New Zealand. 13 Apr, 2025. Photo: Mark Horsburgh/EDGE Photographics
"I think it's the best moment I've had in my career so far," Payne said.
"It's absolutely crazy. We're only in my third full-time season, so there's plenty more to come."
He credited a strong start behind the wheel and some opening lap chaos from his rivals for setting up the superb victory.
His team has been fine tuning the car and the performance of the tyres in the build-up to the race, which he said led to fast lap times.
Grove Racing driver Matt Payne celebrates winning race 10 of the V8 Supercar season, Taupo International Motorsport Park, Taupo, Sunday, 13, April, 2025. Photo: Kerry Marshall / Photosport Photo: Kerry Marshall/www.photosport.nz
"All of a sudden I was in second and I thought, this is a real opportunity for us," he said.
Payne moves into third in overall series standings.
After the race he thanked his family and mentor Garry Pederson for their ongoing support.
The next Supercars round will be held in Tasmania.
