Matt Payne's measured success has lined him up to be the next Kiwi Supercars star.

The Aucklander’s journey to the top tier of motorsport is marked by talent, commitment, and a series of impressive performances that forged a path not just to the Supercars Championship, but to the stop step of the podium. As the 2024 season progresses, his incredibly level of maturity behind the wheel has earned praise across the paddock.

As with most racers, Payne’s career began in karting, where he showcased a natural talent. His prowess in the karting circuit opened the opportunity for a move to car racing in Formula Ford, and eventually the Toyota Racing Series, where he continued to impress.

This would lead to Payne becoming the inaugural recipient of the Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship, which gave him the opportunity to compete in the 2021 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season with Earl Bamber Motorsport.

After placing 6^th in the 2021 Carrera Cup Australia Championship, Payne had the opportunity to contest the Super2 Championship, the main feeder series for the Supercars Championship. The young Kiwi took two victories and an overall round win, finishing the championship in third.

This performance was enough to earn him a Supercars seat with Penrite racing for 2023. Known for his punchy driving style and strategic brain, he has quickly adapted to the intensely close competition of Supercars racing. His hard work paid off when he took his maiden Supercars victory with a dominant performance in the last race of 2023 in Adelaide.