Kiwi Driver Payne Gets Cemented Into Bathurst History

Twenty-four-year-old Matt Payne can now point to the exact spot where his racing legacy lives forever in downtown Bathurst, Australia.

The New Zealand driver had his winners' plaque cemented into Victors' Walk this week, joining decades of motorsport legends who've conquered one of racing's most grueling challenges. He's already thinking about bringing his future children to see it, though he hopes to add more plaques before then.

Payne earned that honor with one of the wildest Bathurst 1000 victories in the race's 68-year history last year. Starting from 18th on the grid in wet, treacherous conditions, he and co-driver Garth Tander slip-slid their way to an improbable win that had fans on their feet.

Now he's back to defend that crown, but with a new partner in the passenger seat. Tander retired after their fairytale victory, passing the torch to Will Davison, a two-time Bathurst champion with years of experience.

"It's the first time I've ever been concreted into a town," Payne joked at the plaque ceremony.

Why This Inspires

The partnership between Payne and Davison shows how sports can bring generations together. Racing legend Greg Murphy says the pairing works because neither sees themselves as the lead driver, just two people working toward the same goal with mutual respect.

That kind of collaboration, where experience meets youth and ego takes a back seat to teamwork, creates something special. Murphy points out that having a veteran co-driver eliminates the risk that comes with inexperience, giving Payne the confidence to push for another historic win.

The young Kiwi sits second in the championship standings and opened practice in 10th position. His plaque might be set in stone, but his story is still being written.