Percat under Scrutiny for burnout breach
By Auto Action
Date posted: 11 April 2025
Supercars officials and New Zealand police are investigating a potential breach of conduct during Thursday’s Track to Town event in Taupō, following reports that Matt Stone Racing driver Nick Percat engaged in behaviour contrary to pre-event directives.
The entire Supercars field took part in the promotional drive from Taupō International Motorsport Park to the city’s Roberts Street precinct, reprising a fan-favourite format previously run at the same location in 2024.
However, despite clear instructions delivered by motorsport operations manager James Delzoppo—emphasising that burnouts and traction loss were strictly prohibited—Percat appears to have flouted the guidelines.
Footage from multiple sources shows Nick Percat’s #10 Camaro breaking traction on several occasions.
The 2011 Bathurst 1000 winner’s actions reportedly drew immediate attention from local police, who flagged their concerns with Supercars officials shortly after the incident.
Supercars acknowledged that a police investigation was taking place and privately is seething after multiple briefings with drivers and teams outlined what sort of behaviour is acceptable.
While Matt Stone Racing has not provided public comment, it’s understood that the investigation remains ongoing. Insiders suggest a financial penalty is the most likely disciplinary outcome with Supercars, whether that satisfies the police remains uncertain with talk of steep sanctions for Percat being publicly aired.
The Track to Town initiative is designed to bring fans closer to the sport and its stars – any reputational fallout from Thursday’s incident could see the activation come under tighter control in future editions.
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
Sat 8.25-8.55: Supercars Race 8 Qualifying
Sat 9.05-9.35: Supercars Race 9 Qualifying
Sat 10.50: Supercars Race 8 (37 laps)
Sat 14.05: Supercars Race 9 (37 laps)
Sun 8.35-9.05: Supercars Race 10 Qualifying
Sun 10.50-11.35: Supercars Race 10 Top 10 Shootout
Sun 13.05: Supercars Race 10 (61 laps)
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