Introduction: A Bathurst for the ages
The Bathurst 1000 delivered one of its most dramatic finishes in memory as rain, relentless Safety Car periods, and late lunges reshaped the Peter Brock Trophy battle. From an 18th–place start, the Payne/Tander crew surged through chaos to claim Penrite Racing’s first Bathurst win and Ford’s first since 2019, in a race where every corner and caution flag counted.
Wet weather, high drama
Throughout the day, treacherous conditions and seven Safety Car periods kept the field bunched and the strategy volatile. Key moments included a late-race collision involving James Golding and Erebus Motorsport’s Chevrolet, which opened the door for Payne to pounce as penalties reshaped the order. The drama intensified as leaders swapped places in the sprint to the chequered flag, with the final run to the line proving decisive for the Peter Brock Trophy contenders.
Payne/Tander’s late surge
Starting from 18th, the pairing of Payne and Tander navigated a chaotic race and waited for their moment. After multiple lead changes and a flurry of pit stops during the seventh Safety Car, Payne’s pace and composure came to the fore. A critical pass on Golding into Griffins Bend with 21 laps remaining set the tone, and Payne then withstood late pressure to secure the win as the field bunched once again behind the yellow flags.
Moment of contention and penalties
The race’s turning points featured a series of incidents—Golding’s clash with Murray, Brown’s collision at Griffins Bend, and a dramatic sharp exit from Murray’s Corner. These incidents triggered penalties that reconfigured the podium lineup and allowed Penrite Racing to capitalize on the misfortune of others, delivering a historic Bathurst win for the team and a rare 1-2 claim with David Reynolds and Lee Holdsworth taking second.
Historical context and milestones
Payne added another Bathurst crown to his impressive resume, tying him with legends in terms of wins. The triumph marked Tander’s sixth Bathurst victory, drawing level with some of the sport’s most storied names. The achievement places Payne/Tander among the sport’s elite, with only a few drivers ahead on the all-time list. The victory also signaled a landmark moment for Ford and Penrite Racing in a challenging era for the manufacturer.
Post-race reflections
Relentless rain, strategic gambles, and bold lunges created a memorable finale that will be recalled as a Bathurst classic. Erebus Motorsport and PremiAir Racing had threatened upsets, but penalties and late-race shuffles allowed Penrite to savour a deserved win. The race underscored Bathurst’s enduring appeal: one day’s weather can rewrite the title narrative, and a team’s perseverance can crown a remarkable season.
Conclusion: A race for the ages
As the chequered flag fell, the Bathurst 1000 once again demonstrated why this endurance classic captivates fans: a test of speed, skill, and nerve under pressure. Payne/Tander’s victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement that a patient, resilient approach amidst chaos can triumph on the mountain, reinforcing the Bathurst legend for years to come.
