Feeney seals Ipswich victory and Sprint Cup after Payne heartbreak
Broc Feeney produced a dominant victory in the Ipswich finale to secure the 2026 Repco Sprint Cup after an engine failure ended Matt Payne’s title challenge.
The Red Bull Ampol Racing driver celebrated his 150th Supercars start with a win, having also claimed victories during his 50th and 100th appearances. Victory automatically qualified Feeney for the Finals Series and earned him 25 bonus points for the Gold Coast opener.
Will Brown started from pole alongside Feeney on a Triple Eight front row. Brown held the inside into Turn 1 and edged ahead at Turn 2, but Feeney remained alongside before sweeping around the outside at Turn 3 to take the lead.
Credit: Samuel Densley Photography
Payne gained one position at the start and settled into fifth, while Feeney and Brown pulled clear. Kai Allen stopped on Lap 16, with Brown covering the undercut one lap later.
Feeney extended his lead to 3.5 seconds before making his opening stop on Lap 21. He returned to the circuit more than one second ahead of Brown, who remained under pressure from Allen.
Chaz Mostert’s challenge ended when his Toyota developed an engine problem on Lap 24. Brodie Kostecki extended his first stint before closing on Allen and passing the Penrite Racing Ford for third at Turn 3 on Lap 31.
The Sprint Cup battle changed one lap later when Payne’s Ford dropped a cylinder approaching Turn 3. The New Zealander returned to the pits, ending his race and leaving him unable to defend his championship advantage.
Credit: Samuel Densley Photography
With Payne retired, Feeney only required a podium finish to secure the Sprint Cup. However, he continued controlling the race and held a seven-second advantage over Kostecki, who had passed Brown for second.
The final pit cycle placed Feeney under pressure. Kostecki stopped on Lap 45, while Feeney remained on track until Lap 47 and lost time while navigating lapped cars on fresher tyres.
Kostecki closed to within one second and recorded the fastest lap, but Feeney responded with consecutive personal bests to end the challenge. He crossed the line to complete an unlikely Sprint Cup triumph.
Kostecki finished second ahead of Brown, who completed a strong Ipswich weekend. Allen secured fourth, followed by James Golding, Anton De Pasquale, Cam Waters, Rylan Gray, David Reynolds and Aaron Cameron.
Feeney’s victory completed a remarkable title turnaround and delivered the perfect result as Supercars prepared to enter the endurance season at The Bend.