A total of 51,454 fans attended the Taupō Super 440, confirming New Zealand’s ongoing enthusiasm for Supercars.
From tribute laps to haka performances, fan zones, and support categories, the Taupō round brought international-standard motorsport energy back to the Kiwi motorsport faithful.
Matt Payne’s Homecoming Victory as Supercars Roar Through Taupō
The Repco Supercars Championship’s return to New Zealand delivered everything fans had hoped for and more. Round 3, the ITM Taupō Super 440, brought the series to the stunning Taupō International Motorsport Park for the very first time, and a confirmed crowd of 51,454 fans attended across the weekend.
From a packed grandstand to emotional moments in the paddock, the weekend was punctuated by dominant performances, dramatic weather swings, and a historic double victory by New Zealand’s own Matt Payne. It also marked the awarding of the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, adding emotional weight to a thrilling event.
Payne Perfect in Taupō
Matt Payne was nothing short of dominant on home soil. The Grove Racing driver stormed to victory in both Saturday and Sunday races, delivering a perfect weekend for the Kiwi crowd. On Saturday, Payne out-dragged pole-sitter Cameron Waters into Turn 1 and never looked back. Smart tire strategy and smooth pit execution kept him ahead of Waters and Broc Feeney to clinch the win.
Sunday brought rain, and with it, uncertainty. But Payne once again showed maturity beyond his years, keeping the car clean through the treacherous middle stint and defending against a fast-finishing Chaz Mostert and Will Brown. With two wins from two starts, Payne was awarded the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy – a fitting tribute to a New Zealand motorsport legend.
Randle’s Heroics and Waters’ Fight
While Payne celebrated, Tickford Racing had reason to feel both elated and exhausted. Cameron Waters extended his strong run of form with second place on Saturday but struggled with setup in Sunday’s wet conditions, finishing fifth. The real storyline, though, belonged to teammate Thomas Randle.
Randle, who started 21st in Sunday’s race after a tough Saturday, made up 15 places to finish 6th. His aggressive yet calculated drive was a highlight of the weekend, showcasing his resilience and pace.
Trophy With Meaning: Honouring Jason Richards
The Jason Richards Memorial Trophy is awarded to the driver with the most points across the Taupō weekend, named in memory of the late Kiwi Supercars driver who passed in 2011 after a courageous cancer battle. Payne became the first New Zealander to claim the award on home soil, adding even more emotion to an unforgettable moment.
Championship Shake-Up
With Payne’s double win and consistent form from Brown and Waters, the championship leaderboard saw a major shuffle:
Will Brown (Triple Eight) – 651 points
Cameron Waters (Tickford Racing) – 617 points
Matt Payne (Grove Racing) – 605 points
Broc Feeney (Triple Eight) – 590 points
Chaz Mostert (Walkinshaw Andretti United) – 565 points
Brown retained his series lead with consistent podiums, while Waters dropped to second. Payne, however, emerged as a real contender with momentum on his side.
Team Notes
Grove Racing’s operational execution was flawless, giving Payne the platform to deliver under pressure. Triple Eight Race Engineering continued to show depth, with Brown and Feeney both banking strong results, while Walkinshaw Andretti United saw Chaz Mostert consistently in the top five.
Matt Stone Racing also deserves a nod, with Cameron Hill continuing his top-ten form and laying a foundation for mid-season resurgence.
Next Stop: Snowy River Caravans Tasmania Super 440
Following the Taupō Super 440, the next round of the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship is the Snowy River Caravans Tasmania Super 440, scheduled for May 9–11 at Symmons Plains Raceway in Launceston, Tasmania.
