Payne sets pace at Sandown 500 while Mostert struggles
Matt Payne clocked the fastest practice lap at Sandown 500, but championship rival Chaz Mostert finished a disappointing 20th.
Payne set the fastest time of 1 minute 8.5 seconds across Friday's practice sessions ahead of Saturday's 250km race at Sandown International Motor Raceway. The New Zealander is first in the championship and only needs to avoid finishing in the bottom three to book his place in the grand final.
Mostert, currently fourth, finished 20th and has gearbox issues after a strong recent run at the Gold Coast. Only four drivers will make the grand final from seven contenders.
The Sandown 500 is the penultimate round, with winners of Saturday's and Sunday's races guaranteed a spot in Adelaide.
- 1 minute 8.5014 seconds
- Fastest practice lap
- 250 kilometres, 79 laps
- Race distance
- First
- Payne's championship position
- Fourth
- Mostert's championship position
Why it mattersThe Sandown 500 determines who makes the Supercars grand final, so this weekend decides the championship field.
AustraliaSandown's 500 is a flagship Australian motorsport event, and the result shapes the final championship battle.
