Payne and Tander Deliver Ford Glory in a Wild Bathurst 1000

In one of the most unpredictable Bathurst 1000s in recent memory, Matt Payne and Garth Tander powered to victory in a rain-soaked marathon that tested skill, composure, and strategy at every turn. The Penrite Racing pair fought from deep in the field to hand Ford its first Bathurst triumph since 2019 — and deliver Tander his sixth win atop Mount Panorama.

Credit: FordAustralia.com.au

Chaos from the Start

The race began under menacing skies and rarely settled. Showers rolled across the mountain throughout the day, turning the track into a slick minefield. Seven safety car periods punctuated the 161-lap endurance, as several contenders fell victim to the treacherous conditions.

Among the early casualties were title hopefuls Brodie Kostecki and Will Brown, whose respective crashes and engine issues ended their chances before halfway. By mid-race, it became clear survival would be as important as outright pace.

A Late-Race Charge

Starting from 18th on the grid, Payne and Tander executed a flawless recovery drive. Their Ford Mustang came alive as others stumbled, and when the final hour arrived, they were in striking distance.

The decisive moment came with less than ten laps remaining, when an ambitious move from James Golding triggered contact with Cooper Murray, drawing a five-second penalty and shuffling Payne into the lead. From there, the young Kiwi held his nerve as rain returned, managing worn tyres and pressure from behind to secure an unforgettable win.

“It’s absolutely insane,” Payne said after the race. “That last stint in the wet felt like forever. The tyres were gone, but the team nailed the strategy. This one’s for them.”

Tander’s Enduring Class

For Tander, the result marked yet another chapter in a storied Bathurst career. Now 48, the veteran joined the likes of Mark Skaife and Larry Perkins as a six-time winner, reinforcing his reputation as one of the sport’s greats.

A Bathurst for the Ages

Behind the jubilant winners, heartbreak and heroics unfolded across the field. Cars limped home battered and bruised, while others never saw the chequered flag. It was Bathurst at its best — raw, dramatic, and utterly unpredictable.

For Payne, Tander, and Ford, the 2025 Bathurst 1000 will stand as a defining moment: triumph carved from chaos on Australia’s most sacred stretch of tarmac.