2026 Perth Super 440

Penrite Racing has extended its lead in the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championship, thanks to a strong weekend from both Matt Payne and Kai Allen.

The weekend included two victories and a second place for Payne in the #19 Penrite Mustang, while Allen also collected a third place finish on Saturday – as well as producing a memorable recovery drive on Sunday, making up an incredible 18 places to finish 5th.

The strong performance came on the back of two pole positions for Payne on Saturday, with supreme speed on show from the Championship leader.

Saturday’s two shorter races saw plenty of success, with Payne converting his pole position to a strong win in the day’s opening race.

The day’s second race saw Penrite Racing claim yet another double podium, with Payne backing up his race victory with a second place finish. Allen rounded out the podium in third – with valuable Teams’ Championship points collected thanks to the strong results.

Heading into Sunday, confidence was high among the Penrite Racing crew. An unfortunate power steering issue in qualifying meant Allen would start the Sunday feature race from 23rd, while Payne was able to again show his pace, qualifying in third after a tense and super tight Top 10 Shootout.

Once the race began, it was a masterclass in strategy and racecraft from both drivers and the Penrite Racing crew.

A key strategy play would see Payne take the lead after the second compulsory stop with one of the overtakes of the season as he battled for the lead with title rival Broc Feeney.

From there, it was an epic finish with Payne fighting a loose rear tyre that ultimately held on until the chequered flag dropped and the celebrations began.

On the #26 side of the garage, Allen certainly maximised his result to perfection with one of the drives of the weekend. From 23rd on the grid, the 21-year-old made up a massive 18 spots to take home fifth and round out a strong weekend and consolidate his grip on a finals berth.

Payne now leads the Drivers’ Championship with one round to go in the Sprint Cup. The Cup win will secure finals for the #19 Penrite Mustang crew. Allen sits fifth in the standings, while the team continues to lead the Teams’ Championship and keep its hands on the first garage in pit lane heading into the next round.

With the team now making the trek back across the Nullabor, focus turns to Ipswich with the next round at Queensland Raceway.