The excitement is revving up as the 2024 Repco Bathurst 1000 kicks off with Grove Racing’s Matt Payne leading the charge in the opening practice session. Payne, a rising star from New Zealand, took his No. 19 Penrite Ford Mustang to the top of the timesheets, edging out Tickford Racing’s Cam Waters and current championship leader Will Brown by just three one-hundredths of a second—a tight margin that promises a thrillingly competitive race weekend at Mount Panorama.
At only 22, Payne has already made his mark on the Supercars Championship circuit, taking wins on the tough streets of Adelaide and Townsville earlier this season. He’s paired with Garth Tander, a seasoned Bathurst pro with five Great Race titles under his belt, which makes this duo a team to watch. If Payne’s opening speed is any indicator, they’re poised to be a formidable force throughout the weekend.
Joining Payne at the top in Practice 1 were Cameron Hill and Thomas Randle, two other young talents, who rounded out the top five in the hour-long session. The warm conditions led several drivers to push the limits of the iconic circuit, with a few minor off-track moments, but all emerged unscathed and ready for the next round.
This afternoon brings more action with Practice 2 at 4:55 p.m. AEDT, dedicated exclusively to co-drivers. Tomorrow, the excitement ramps up with the Boost Mobile Qualifying session setting the stage for Saturday’s highly anticipated Top Ten Shootout. It all culminates on Sunday with the Great Race itself, starting at 11:30 a.m. AEDT.
For those eager to watch the action, live coverage is available on Foxtel and the Seven Network, with streaming options on Kayo and 7plus. Don’t miss out on being part of this legendary motorsport event—tickets and corporate packages are still available through Supercars.com and Ticketek.
Get ready, motorsport fans, because the countdown to pole position is on! Who will emerge as the frontrunner on Saturday, and who will conquer the mountain on Sunday? The competition is fierce, and the Bathurst 1000 promises yet another thrilling chapter in Australian motorsport history.
Bring on the Bathurst 1000 Shootout on Saturday Afternoon
