DAY TWO RECAP: DARWIN TRIPLE CROWN

RESULTS:
Practice 2 | Payne: P17, Stanaway P15
Race 11 | Payne: P15, Stanaway P14

WRAP UP:
Day two of the Darwin Triple Crown presented its fair share of challenges for the Penrite Racing team at Hidden Valley Raceway. The day kicked off with Practice 2 under the scorching Northern Territory sun, as drivers Matt Payne and Richie Stanaway tackled the demanding conditions head-on.

During the practice session, Payne ended up in P17 on the timesheets, carefully navigating the circuit while he and his engineers extensively tweaked the setup of his #19 Mustang overnight. Similarly, Stanaway faced ongoing speed challenges despite additional adjustments aimed at optimising performance, ultimately finishing his session in P15.

With the absence of a Top 10 Shootout due to the previous day’s qualifying results, both drivers knew they would start from Row 7 for Race 11. Payne secured P13 on the grid, while Stanaway lined up just beside him in P14, setting the stage for a challenging but competitive race ahead.

As the race began, action unfolded quickly. Car 1’s Brodie Kostecki faced early retirement before the green flag waved, opening up opportunities for Payne to gain ground early on. Stanaway, aiming to leverage strategy, was the first among the top 10 to pit, coming in on Lap 17. Payne followed suit from P10 a lap later, opting for fresh tyres on his stop to maintain pace in the midfield battle.

However, the day didn’t unfold as hoped for the Penrite Racing team. Despite their best efforts, they struggled to match the blistering pace set by the top contenders, resulting in Payne finishing in P15 and Stanaway in P14—positions that were below their competitive expectations.

To watch Matt Payne’s post-race wrap-up, click here.

To watch Richie Stanaway’s post-race wrap-up, click here.

Despite the challenges on the track, Penrite Racing has advanced in the team championships, now standing 3rd as they near Race 12, the final race of the Darwin leg in the Repco Supercars Championship. The team is determined to rebound stronger tomorrow, demonstrating their ongoing pursuit of securing podium finishes.

Looking forward, Sunday promises more exciting track action starting with Boost Mobile Qualifying at 10:25am ACST/10:55am AEST, followed by the highly anticipated Boost Mobile Top Ten Shootout at 11:35am ACST/12:05pm AEST. The climax of the weekend, Race 12, a demanding 48-lap affair, is scheduled to commence at 3:10pm ACST/3:40pm AEST.

Stay tuned as Penrite Racing pushes forward, navigating the twists and turns of Hidden Valley with determination and precision, aiming for podium glory in the Northern Territory heat.