Matt Payne has unintentionally spurred rumours about his future in the Supercars paddock after dodging questions pertaining to his movements in 2027.
Ahead of his home double-header, the Kiwi driver was asked about the link to General Motors, especially with David Reynolds’ seat at Team 18 set to be free at the end of the season.
Payne burst onto the Supercars scene in 2023 with Grove Racing and by 2025, the dynamic pairing of Payne and Kai Allen became a blockbuster attraction for the sport.
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Payne won the iconic Bathurst 1000 in October for the first time.
Although the 23-year-old is officially contracted until the end of 2027, his reluctance to publicly commit his long-term future to Grove has left the paddock intrigued on his next move.
General Motors’ homologation team, Team 18, are reportedly eyeing up the Kiwi but Payne remained tight-lipped when asked about any conversations, even though he did not shut down the speculation.
“I can’t really shed too much light on it at the moment,” he said on Motorsport 360.
Matt Payne has been tight-lipped about his future. LAT Images
“My job at the moment is to go fast in the race car I’m in – that’s the Ford Mustang with Penrite Racing, so that’s what I’m focused on.
“We have a championship to win at the end of the day, so that’s where my thoughts are heading.”
Team 18 is on a recruiting rampage for Supercars icons, recently staging a coup to secure Craig Lowndes on a two-year deal to stay with the manufacturer, as Triple Eight defected to Ford for the 2026 season.
If they do seize Payne, he would undoubtedly be set to sign a blockbuster deal. The reigning Bathurst 1000 champion is well within his rights to command a massive asking price.
Penrite could be set to lose Payne. Getty
His stellar accolades in 2025 span a Great Race victory, the Jason Richards Trophy and Enduro Cup.
His value is recognised by his peers. Speaking to Wide World of Sports exclusively at the back end of last season, teammate Allen heaped praise onto his stablemate.
“He’s got to be the most talented driver down pit lane and he’s a great guy at the same time,” Allen said.
“If I could pick one down pit lane, it’d be the guy who’s just super chill, relaxed, but at the same time, he wants to do what’s best for the team, same as me.”
General Motors has a long, storied history as a manufacturer in motorsport – home to Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac – and would boast international opportunity for Payne.
With Supercars having announced an agreement in 2025 with the Foxtel Group and securing a $50 million four-year deal, the sport is flush with momentum.
Coupled with the massive exposure the Kiwi is bringing to the upcoming New Zealand double-header, Payne could be perfectly positioned to sign one of the most lucrative deals in Supercars history if he does decide to jump ship.
The category is racing in Taupo from Friday to Sunday, before heading down for Supercars’ inaugural visit to Christchurch on April 17-19.