2025 Thrifty Sydney 500

Penrite Racing emerges as title challenger after strong opening round.

Penrite Racing has confirmed itself as a challenger for the Repco Supercars Championship title in 2025 with a strong opening round at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend.

The speed and results are encouraging for the Penrite Racing squad after proving that they have a car capable of podium finishes.

In Friday night’s opening race, Payne set a stunning time in the first qualifying session of the year and would line up third on the grid.

The New Zealander looked set to score a podium result straight up but was hauled in and passed by fellow Ford driver Thomas Randle on the final lap of the 100km race.

Allen, making his first ‘official’ start as a full-time Supercars driver, qualified an outstanding 10th. The former Super2 champion unfortunately saw all his great work undone as the lights went out, dropping back to 18th on the first lap, eventually finishing 19th.

Saturday evening’s second race delivered one of the all-time great finishes, showcasing thrilling competition; however, it was a bittersweet experience for Penrite Racing, as the team’s performance had both standout moments and challenges.

Payne qualified a strong sixth and would go onto taking a strong fifth place, finishing within striking distance of the battling leaders. Allen qualified down the order and finishing 23rd.

Sunday’s final 200km race was another heated affair that was almost turned on its head by rain in the last hour of the race. Payne qualified sixth and finished in the same position, solidifying himself as a challenger for a place in the new-for-2025 finals system.

For Allen, he started 13th and raced comfortably in the mid-pack for most of the race, having a stint of the fastest lap time on track. He finished where he qualified, marking a solid debut for the rookie racer.

After the first three races of the 34-race season, Payne sits in 5th while Allen is in 20th in the Supercars Driver Championship.