Hill a ‘bit embarrassed’ by Payne move
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 13 April 2025
Cameron Hill could do nothing, but applaud Matt Payne for the gutsy race-winning move as the Kiwi was determined to win the Jason Richards Trophy in style.
Payne took two victories to ensure he was the dominant driver of the Taupo Super440 and fittingly joined Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen as Kiwis to lift the trophy named after one of their own.
Whilst the #19 Grove Racing Mustang was the dominant car of the weekend, the youngster still had to fiercely race his way to the top.
The best piece of evidence was on Lap 9 when Payne surged to the lead in thrilling style.
The Kiwi got a run on Hill going into Turn 4, but the MSR driver tried to cover and appeared to have placed his car perfectly to avoid being passed.
However, Payne was still committed and forced his way past by climbing over the kerb and the infield.
The victor said nothing was going to stop him from lifting the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy on top.
“It was a tough one because Cam had really good drive for the majority of the corners so I found it hard to create a run,” Payne said.
“I had a good shot at Turn 1 and he covered it off and then I knew he would cover for five and had to be opportunistic for the pass.
“I thought I would surprise him at Turn 4. He did a good job making sure there was not much room and we managed to get through alongside and get it done which won us the race.
“There was not much room but being second on a Sunday race leading the points for the weekend (was not preferred) so I don’t think there was anything stopping me from going through.”
Having been caught off guard, Hill, who impressively continued his strong form from Albert Park, simply had to tip his cap to the Kiwi.
“He put a pretty good move on me which is a bit embarrassing really,” the MSR driver admitted.
“He snuck up there but was kind enough not to tip me off.
“I could tell he was quick and thought I could hold him off and overheat his tyres but credit to Matt. He was fast and we had a good little race. I cannot wait to go back and rewatch it.
“But we were a bit disappointed after yesterday and made some changes this morning which took us from being a top six car to a top three car.”
Image: Supercars
Taupo Super440
Practice 1 – 1: A. Heimgartner 1:26.8830 2: Anton De Pasquale +0.0258 3: Matt Payne +0.0830
Practice 2 – 1: Ryan Wood 1:25.9778; 2: Brodie Kostecki +0.0435; 3: Thomas Randle +0.0838
Race 8 Qualifying – 1 Matt Payne 1:25.7006; 2 Brodie Kostecki +0.0705; 3 Cameron Waters +0.1646
Race 9 Qualifying: 1 Brodie Kostecki 1:26.3482; 2 Chaz Mostert +0.0712; 3 Broc Feeney +0.1939
Race 8 (37 laps) 1 Matt Payne 2 Cameron Waters 3 Ryan Wood
Race 9 (37 laps) 1 Chaz Mostert WAU 37 56.14; 2 Will Davison DJR 37 +6.4763; 3 Brodie Kostecki DJR 37 +9.1911
Race 10 Qualifying 1 Brodie Kostecki 1:25.6303; 2 Cameron Hill +0.0122; 3 Anton De Pasquale +0.1009
Top 10 Shootout 1 Brodie Kostecki 1:25.7052; 2 Anton De Pasquale +0.1677; 3 Ryan Wood +0.1947
Race 10 (61 laps) 1 Matt Payne 2 Cameron Hill +3.1941 3 Chaz Mostert +8.2887
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