HOLDSWORTH AND PAYNE WIN MAJOR SUPERCARS AWARDS FOR 2022

Grove Racing’s Lee Holdsworth and Matthew Payne have been rewarded for their efforts on and off the track in 2022 at the season-ending Supercars Gala Awards in Adelaide.

Holdsworth was awarded the Barry Sheene Medal which recognises the driver to have displayed outstanding leadership, media interaction, character, personality, fan appeal and sportsmanship, in a fitting send off in his final year behind the wheel.

Super2 pilot Matthew Payne took home the Mike Kable Award for Rookie of the Year.

The 20-year-old kiwi showed speed and maturity beyond his years in 2022 with 2 race wins, 1 overall round win, 6 top three race finishes and 3 podiums on the way to 3rd in the Championship, all while earning a 6th place finish in his first Bathurst 1000 alongside Holdsworth.

Payne is the first graduate of the Grove Racing Junior Team to progress to Supercars full-time. His development has included starts in Carrera Cup and International GT racing events alongside his Super2 campaign.

In 2023 Payne will join David Reynolds to spearhead Penrite Racing’s charge into the new Gen3 era.

COMMENT

Team Owner and CEO of Grove Racing, Brenton Grove, said: “It’s fantastic that two key members of our team this season have been recognised by the sport. It’s also a credit to everyone who has made it happen for them behind the scenes at Grove Racing.“

“Lee is such a deserving winner for the Barry Sheene Medal. His experience and professionalism have been great assets this year as we continue to build our Supercars squad.

“He’s great with the fans, sponsors and is universally respected throughout the paddock because of his great character.

“Matt winning Rookie of the Year only further validates the belief we have in his talent.

“We gave him clear direction on our expectations were at the start of the Super2 season and he has gone out and delivered, which is why we made the call to promote him to the main game in 2023.”