NEAR-PERFECT PERTH PERFORMANCE CONSOLIDATES CHAMPIONSHIP LEADS!
Penrite Racing dominated the weekend in Perth at Motormall Wanneroo Raceway, with championship leader Matt Payne extending his title lead and teammate Kai Allen pulling off an incredible recovery drive, both running cool, calm, and in control - just like AirTouch.
NEXT ROUND: IPSWICH 21 - 23 AUG
Saturday's opening race win also saw Ford claim the coveted Manufactures' Championship for 2026 - an amazing feat with six rounds still to be run.
Heading into Sunday, confidence was high among the Penrite Racing crew. An unfortunate power steering issue in qualifying meant Allen would start the Sunday feature race from 23rd, while Payne was able to again show his pace, qualifying in third after a tense and super tight Top 10 Shootout.
Once the race began, it was a masterclass in strategy and racecraft from both drivers and the Penrite Racing crew. A key strategy play would see Payne take the lead after the second compulsory stop with one of the overtakes of the season as he battled for the lead with title rival Broc Feeney. From there, it was an epic finish with Payne fighting a loose rear tyre that ultimately held on until the chequered flag dropped and the celebrations began.
On the #26 side of the garage, Allen certainly maximised his result to perfection with one of the drives of the weekend. From 23rd on the grid, the 21-year-old made up a massive 18 spots to take home fifth and round out a strong weekend and consolidate his grip on a finals berth.
Payne now leads the Drivers' Championship with one round to go in the Sprint Cup. The Cup win will secure finals for the #19 Penrite Mustang crew. Allen sits fifth in the standings, while the team continues to lead the Teams' Championship and keep its hands on the first garage in pit lane heading into the next round.
With the team now making the trek back across the Nullabor, focus turns to Ipswich with the next round at Queensland Raceway.
