Vassago wrote: ↑2 years ago
So, this Payne guy sure came out of nowhere? I don't recall him being mentioned in the driver market discussions during the break? There will be 25 full-time entries? Tickford fields an additional fourth car to raise the overall number by one?
His name started being mentioned almost as soon as Heimgartner announced his shock departure after months of both sides saying "Nothing actually signed but its all agreed bar the signatures" talk. That Heimgartner was bailing KGR came a few days or so after the news broke that the Kelly family were selling out completely to Grove.
As
@theracer120 suggested the lack of Superlicense points due to his lack of racing experience was being mentioned when his history and lack of actual experience in the right series (ie no Super3/Super2 history) soon highlighted he would not come close to qualifying for an SC S/L and would need an exemption. My understanding is that no exemption has been granted yet and this is why he has suddenly appeared on the first Super2 event entry after his name first appeared (and I imagine why he was thrown into the #26 Penrite car yesterday, ) to show his abilities to those at "Motorsport Australia" that will grant the exemption.
From a couple of months ago.....
Everso Biggyballies wrote: ↑2 years ago
Re the Heimgartner seat at Grove Racing I see the hopefuls are busy already....
Kiwi young hotshot Matt Payne is emerging as a left-field candidate for the seat.
The revelation comes with the announcement of Payne’s signing of a long-term agreement to become the first Grove Junior academy driver..... presumably he comes with a budget.
Im not sure if I got the he comes with a budget bit right..... however he is clearly well connected and must have access to backing be it family or what I dont know.... to organise a seat in the NZ Toyota series at the drop of a hat indicates scrabbling around for a budget was not a problem. Im happy to be corrected, but bottom line is whatever his financial situation the kid is clearly blessed with talent from what we have seen.
To walk into Super 2 and day 1, with no mileage under your belt, go out and be faster on debut that someone like Feeney, who has been in the Supercars system for years, and is known to be talented enough to be have been confirmed as JW's replacement at T888 says something to me