Hill 'embarrassed', Payne 'opportunistic' in bold overtake

The fight for Race 10 victory in Taupō was ultimately decided by a robust move, with Cameron Hill admitted it was “a bit embarrassing” losing the lead to Matt Payne.

The Matt Stone Racing driver was revealed in the lead when Brodie Kostecki and Ryan Wood battled over first place at Turn 8, with Kostecki running wide at Turn 9.

It came after Team 18 driver Anton De Pasquale bowled a wide at Turn 1, with Hill going rom fourth to first in just nine corners.

Hill’s lead was short-lived, though, with Payne making a bold move at Turn 4.

After launching an attack into Turn 1, Payne slotted in behind and attacked into Turn 4. Hill reacted and blocked in reaction, leading to contact.

Courtesy of some door-to-door rubbing, Payne got through, with Hill dropping behind Tickford Racing driver Thomas Randle.

When asked about the pass post-race, Hill said: “He put a pretty good move on me. “It’s a bit embarrassing really. He snuck up there, but he was kind enough not to tip me off, so thanks Matt for looking after me.”

Payne said: “It was a tough one because Cam had really good drive for the majority of a lot of the corners, so I sort of found it hard to make a run or create a run.

“There wasn’t much room but I think being second on a Sunday race, leading the standings for the weekend, I don’t think there was anything stopping my car from going up the inside.”

On the start of the race, Hill said: “The seas kind of parted for me at the beginning of the race, which always helps. From there we were able to have a really good one.

“Couldn’t quite keep Matty at bay. He was very good but it was a good way to finish the weekend for us.”

Payne and Hill are third and seventh in the points heading to the next round in Tasmania.