Co-drivers Matt Campbell and Matt Payne locked in for Bathurst 1000

International GT ace Matt Campbell and Super2 young gun Matt Payne will join Penrite Racing as co-drivers for the 2022 Repco Bathurst 1000.

  Matt Campbell will join David Reynolds in car #26 at Bathurst

Recently named to join Porsche Penske Motorsport’s prototype sportscar program, Campbell will rejoin Penrite Racing to pilot car #26 alongside David Reynolds this year at Mount Panorama.

Currently racing abroad, Campbell said: “I’m very excited to be co-driving with Dave this year for Penrite Racing. He has won the race before and is always quick at Mount Panorama, so I just want to help put him in the best position possible to be at the pointy end late in the race and pay back the Grove’s for this opportunity.

“Bathurst is a race that carries so much credibility overseas, winning the 12 Hour was a real highlight but winning the 1000 is something I’d really love to achieve in my career.”

  Matt Payne will line up with Lee Holdsworth in car #10 at Bathurst

In car #10, a mix of youth and experience will combine when Matt Payne teams up with reigning Bathurst 1000 champion, Lee Holdsworth, to make both his Bathurst 1000 and main series debut.

Matt Payne said: “Racing in the Bathurst 1000 has been a dream of mine since I started racing karts in New Zealand. It will be a big weekend doubling up with Super2 as well. I look forward to doing the best I can and working with Lee to do a solid job for Penrite Racing.”

Payne will get his first laps in car #10 on Friday in the dedicated co-driver session at the Penrite Oil Sandown SuperSprint.

Penrite Racing Team Principal, David Cauchi, said: “Campbell and Payne are going to be a great mix of experience and youth. Campbell has won many endurance races including the Bathurst 12 Hour, and he competes in endurance racing all the time so the team can draw on his vast experience.

“Payne has done a great job for us in Super2, proving that he is not only fast but can manage his raw speed over a race distance. Going to the Mountain for the first time as a main series co-driver is a big undertaking, so pairing him with the man who won the race last year as a co-driver is the perfect match.

“There are a lot of points on offer at Bathurst and it is a long day in the office. It is all about minimising mistakes from everyone and being on the lead lap for those final stints to the chequered flag. If we can do this, anything is possible from there.”

The Repco Bathurst 1000 will take place on October 6-9.