Matthew PAYNE

Matthew Allen "Matt" Payne, born on October 3, 2002, is a rising star in the world of motorsport. This young New Zealander from Auckland is currently making waves in the Supercars Championship, driving the No. 19 Ford Mustang GT for Grove Racing.

Payne's journey to Supercars has been rapid. Before making his mark in Supercars, Payne showcased his talent in karting, securing multiple championships, including the KZ2 National Sprint Championship. Transitioning to circuit racing, he won the 2021 Toyota Racing Series and impressed with a third-place finish in the New Zealand Grand Prix. He also competed in the 2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia season. In 2022, he challenged for the Super2 title and debuted in the Bathurst 1000 alongside Lee Holdsworth.

His Supercars debut with Penrite Racing in 2023 was nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by a crushing victory in Adelaide. In 2024, he continued to impress, securing another win in Townsville and finishing sixth overall in the championship. Despite some inconsistencies, Payne's raw speed and talent have made him a driver to watch. As he enters his third season in Supercars, he is expected to be a leading force for Grove Racing, with many touting him as the next big thing out of New Zealand, following in the footsteps of Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen.