GROVE Racing is on the cusp of clinching its latest major slice of Supercars silverware.
Having left Perth with a 118-point buffer to Broc Feeney atop the drivers’ championship, Matt Payne is very much in the box seat to win the Repco Sprint Cup.
Just one round remains in the Sprint Cup phase of the season, the Ipswich Super440 across August 21-23.
With a maximum of 315 points available at Queensland Raceway, the simple math is that Payne will clinch the trophy if he accumulates at least 198 points across Round 9.
The Repco Sprint Cup trophy. Pic: Ross Gibb
That number, of course, will reduce if Feeney doesn’t score maximum points in any race (i.e. the win and fastest lap bonus points).
There are various ways Payne can accumulate 198 points at Ipswich, the simplest of which is by finishing sixth in all three races.
“At this stage we only have to execute well at Queensland Raceway and Matt should be the Sprint Cup champion,” said Stephen Grove.
“There are times when things are out of your control, but the cars and good and if we execute well then it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Grove Racing last year got its hands on several major gongs, winning the Repco Bathurst 1000, Ryco Enduro Cup and Jason Richards Memorial Trophy.
Feeney won the inaugural Sprint Cup in 2025.
“At least we know a Ford will win the Sprint Cup. Hopefully it is one of ours,” said Triple Eight team manager Mark Dutton.
Cam Waters is the only other driver in mathematical contention, but is an extreme long shot given he is 277 points adrift of Payne.