2026 Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440

Penrite Racing has narrowly missed out on the Sprint Cup title with an engine issue costing Matt Payne the chance to claim the trophy in Sunday’s final race.

The weekend had previously gone as planned, with Payne also producing two epic back-to-back pole positions on Saturday. He was able to convert that strong form into a podium in the weekend’s opener to claim the first silverware of the weekend.

From there, back-to-back safety car periods in the second race cost the team a chance at a double podium, however the team did enough to bank a solid fourth (Allen) and sixth place (Payne).

Sunday’s qualifying begun strongly, with Allen putting his Penrite Mustang on provisional pole ahead of the Top 10 Shootout.

The Shootout saw Allen ultimately claim third, while Payne would start the final race in 6th.

The race was calm until the late stages when Payne was forced into the garage with an engine issue. Despite the gallant efforts of the crew, the car wouldn’t return to track and Payne’s Sprint Cup tilt was cruelly ended.

Payne was understandably hurting after he parked his Penrite Mustang in the garage and was unable to return to fight for the title.

“It just sucks,” Payne said.

“I felt like we did everything right today. It might not have been the easiest day behind the wheel.

“But we had a good start and passed Chaz Mostert and were sitting in a nice window, just working together with Kai.

“Next thing the motor just sounded like it had an electrical issue. I’m really gutted. I was looking forward to wrapping up the Sprint Cup, but it is what it is.”

Penrite Racing CEO Brenton Grove said the team was hurting but would bounce back for the Enduro Cup and Finals Series.

“It’s not fun. This is something we all put a lot of time and effort into and Matt’s done a faultless job,” Grove said.

“Our mechanical reliability is probably one of the best in the lane and unfortunately today something has gone wrong.

“We had no warning before it happened. We’ll lick our wounds and make sure we come back stronger.”

On the other side of the garage, Allen’s Sunday was strong with the 21-year-old banking solid points with a fourth place finish.

Despite the heartbreak, Payne has now secured his place in finals having earned enough points to secure a start in the top 10 at Gold Coast, no matter the remaining results of the Enduro Cup.

Meanwhile, Allen was also understandably feeling for his teammate but reflected on what was a consistent weekend for the South Australian.

“Ipswich done and dusted, obviously up and down weekend for the team,” Allen said.

“My side of things was quite strong, finished top five every race. We did lose a potential podium in the first race with a penalty, but we bounced back later in the weekend with first ever provisional pole, which is awesome.

“Today was absolutely gut wrenching for for Matty. He had that Sprint Cup wrapped up and sometimes his motorsport doesn’t like you and doesn’t doesn’t pick you on the day, but for us we’ve just got to work even harder as a team and come back swinging.

“Now we regroup, and have a test day coming up, get (co-driver) Timmy (Slade) fast and ready to come out strong.”