Kiwi Matt Payne has won a chaotic Dunlop Series Race 2 at Sandown Raceway in Victoria over the weekend. The finale, which featured a last-lap pile-up, saw Payne cross the line second behind Dean Fiore, who was penalised for being outside his grid box. The win now sees Payne move from fifth to third in the championship, 150-points behind Declan Fraser.
“A great way to repay the team with a race win today,” commented Payne. “A big thank you to all the boys and girls at Grove Racing for their efforts today.”
Payne set the pace for the weekend claiming pole position snatching the fastest-lap from Tyler Everingham for Saturday’s race with a last-gasp flyer. However, his time was deleted as he was found to have set the fastest sector under yellow flag (caution) conditions. The Kiwi was given a three-grid slot penalty.
In the first race of the weekend, Payne dropped 16 placings to finish last in 19th position after having to pit to clear his front splitter full of mud and grass as a result of contact with Matt Chahda. He also received a 15 second penalty for his role in the clash.
His fourth position in qualifying for the final race of the weekend set the scene for his come-back, crossing the line behind behind Fiore knowing the latter had a time-penalty. Jack Perkins second and Zak Best in third.
It was the second time in as many days that the driver second on the road won the race. Points leader Declan Fraser won on Saturday despite crossing the line in second.
Comments