Entering the bullpen; tight Tassie tussle awaits Penrite Racing

Penrite Racing head to Tasmania rejuvenated following a rich vein of form in recent rounds. Penrite Racing are one of the form teams, having registered multiple podium finishes, and various strategy plays which highlight the direction the team are heading.  

The Repco Supercars Championship returns to Launceston’s Symmons Plains Raceway this weekend, with weather a large talking point. Normally reserved for an autumn or spring timeslot, this weekend’s Tasmanian venture marks the first time since 1999 that the category has taken to Symmons Plains in August. Minimal rain is slated for all days of running, however temperatures should reach the lofty heights of 16 and 17 degrees throughout the weekend. 

Penrite Racing arrive in Tasmania locking down fourth position in the Teams Championship and in hot pursuit of Walkinshaw Andretti United. Matt Payne maintains fifth place in the championship following second and fourth place finishes in Sydney. Richie Stanaway is looking to bounce back from a difficult Sydney event, currently placed in 13th in the standings. 

Debuting in 1969, Symmons Plains has hosted 50 Supercars/ATCC events, only surpassed by Melbourne’s Sandown Raceway. This year’s 51st iteration promises to be action-packed.  

This year’s event will host two 55-lap races, with the grids set by a unique Formula One style qualifying format. 

Saturday and Sunday’s qualifying sessions will be split into three parts, eliminating a certain number of drivers at the end of each portion.  

Friday will play host to a single hour-long practice session, with Saturday and Sunday hosting a 20-minute practice session each.  

The Symmons Plains circuit is known for its short and sharp approach, with the 2.4km far from a cruise. Straight line prowess will be imperative, as will braking power, with the Launceston venue known for its iconic Turn 4 Hairpin; the slowest corner on the Supercars calendar. 

Penrite Racing were prominent in the mid-pack during the 2023 event, with current driver Matt Payne registering a best race result across three races of 15th.  

The Repco Supercars Championship will be supported by Formula Ford, Aussie Racing Cars, and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia. Grove Racing Junior Driver, Oscar Targett is leading the latter category, aiming to extend his Championship lead.  

Fans can follow all the action live across Foxtel and Kayo, as well as keeping up to date with exclusive content on the Penrite Racing social media channels.