broc feeney

Broc Feeney Claims Adelaide Shootout Pole as Title Rival Matt Payne Hits Trouble

In a dramatic turn of events at the Adelaide Street Circuit, Broc Feeney has stamped his authority on the season finale, securing pole position for the first race of the bp Adelaide Grand Final. The Red Bull Ampol Racing driver delivered a blistering lap in the Top 10 Shootout, but the session was defined just as much by the heartbreak of his championship rival, Matt Payne, who suffered a devastating crash.

For motorsport fans across Australia, the scenes at Adelaide have set the stage for a blockbuster weekend of racing, where the 2025 Supercars Championship title fight has suddenly taken a chaotic turn.

A Pole Position Forged in Pressure

The intensity of the Supercars enduro season was palpable on Saturday afternoon as the field lined up for the Shootout. Broc Feeney, carrying the weight of a championship lead, needed a clean, fast run to maintain his advantage. He delivered exactly that.

Feeney’s lap was a masterclass in controlled aggression around the high-speed, unforgiving street circuit. His time of 1:18.9700 put the #88 Chevrolet firmly on the front row, demoting his nearest championship rival and series leader to second place on the grid. It was a statement lap that reaffirmed the Triple Eight Race Engineering squad's speed and setup prowess.

"It’s a great place to be," Feeney remarked in post-session interviews, though the reality of the grid is slightly different. While he secured the pole for the first race, the chaotic nature of the Shootout means he starts Race 21 from P2, with Payne starting from P1. However, the psychological advantage of setting the fastest time on the day cannot be overstated.

The Moment That Changed the Title Race

While Feeney was celebrating, the atmosphere in the Ford camp turned to dust. Matt Payne, the Grove Racing driver who had been leading the championship standings, struck the wall heavily during his Shootout run.

The incident occurred at the fast, tricky Turn 8/9 chicane. Payne lost the rear of his Mustang, snapping sideways and slamming the concrete barrier rear-first. The impact was severe, causing significant damage to the car. Miraculously, Payne was able to climb out of the wreckage, but his car was too badly damaged to take any further part in the session.

The crash dropped Payne to tenth on the grid for the first race, leaving him with a mountain to climb if he is to protect his championship lead. As reported by The Canberra Times, the incident was described as a moment where the title race "takes dramatic turn," highlighting the high-stakes nature of the Adelaide finale.

The Official Grid and Results

According to official timing and reports from Supercars, the Saturday starting grid sets up a fascinating race. The top ten Shootout results were:

1. Broc Feeney (Red Bull Ampol Racing)
2. Matt Payne (Penrite Racing) - Note: Despite crashing, his earlier qualifying time secured his grid position.
3. Will Davison (Shell V-Power Racing Team)
4. Andre Heimgartner (Brad Jones Racing)
5. Jack Le Brocq (Matt Stone Racing)

(Source: Supercars.com)

The unique format of the Shootout means that while Feeney set the fastest time, Payne’s earlier qualifying time was strong enough to keep him P2 for the second race, while Feeney starts P1 for Race 21. It ensures the rivals remain in close proximity for both encounters.

Contextual Background: The Battle for Supremacy

To understand the gravity of this weekend, one must look at the broader picture of the 2025 Supercars season. Broc Feeney and Matt Payne have been the standout drivers of the year, trading wins and points in a relentless duel.

Feeney, the defending champion, has the experience of Triple Eight Race Engineering behind him—a team renowned for their strategic brilliance and reliability. He has been the benchmark for consistency, often extracting the maximum from the car even on off-days.

Matt Payne, on the other hand, represents the rising challenger. His progression through the ranks has been rapid, and his 2025 campaign has been defined by raw speed and a refusal to back down. Entering the Adelaide Grand Final, Payne held a slender points buffer. However, street circuits are notoriously cruel; they leave no room for error.

The Adelaide Street Circuit, known as the "Clipsal 500" in its former glory days, remains one of the most prestigious events on the calendar. The high walls, limited run-off areas, and high average speeds make it a driver's favorite but a strategist's nightmare. For Feeney to conquer it with pole, and for Payne to falter there, fits the historical narrative of this track deciding championships.

Immediate Effects: The Championship Standings Shuffle

The fallout from the Saturday Shootout has sent shockwaves through the pit lane.

1. The Points Swing: Had Feeney simply qualified well and Payne finished his run without incident, the gap at the top would have remained tight. However, with Payne starting from the back of the top ten (and effectively the back of the field for the first race due to the crash damage requiring repairs), Feeney has a golden opportunity to score big points. A win or podium for Feeney, combined with a recovery drive for Payne, could see the championship lead swap hands dramatically.

2. Mechanical Scramble: The immediate effect is logistical. Payne’s crew faces a race against time to rebuild the Mustang. Supercars regulations allow for repairs, but the extent of the damage—particularly to the rear end and chassis geometry—means a massive effort is required to get the car race-ready for Sunday. It tests the resilience and depth of the Grove Racing team.

3. Strategic Shifts: For Feeney, the strategy changes. He no longer needs to take massive risks to pass Payne on track. He can play the percentages, protecting his car and ensuring he finishes. For Payne, the only option is an aggressive "charge from the back" mentality, which carries high risk of further incidents.

The Human Element: "Costs You Everything"

The drama of Adelaide was captured vividly in the emotional reaction to the crash. The phrase "costs you everything" resonates deeply in motorsport. A split-second error, a patch of oil, or a gust of wind can undo months of hard work.

For Matt Payne, the crash was a physical manifestation of the pressure of a championship fight. The mental toll is just as significant as the physical damage to the car. Team Principal David Grove and the crew will be focusing not just on the mechanical repairs, but on rallying their driver.

For Broc Feeney, the pressure is now to capitalize. He has the car underneath him and the track position. The narrative is set: the veteran champion against the young gun.

Future Outlook: What to Expect in the Adelaide Grand Final

Looking ahead to the races, the Sunday schedule is now loaded with anticipation.

Race 1 (Saturday Afternoon): With Feeney starting on pole (Race 21) and Payne in P2, the first race will be a tactical masterpiece. Feeney will look to control the race from the front, while Payne must balance the need to stay in the fight with the need to keep the car in one piece.

Race 2 (Sunday): This is where the real damage from the crash may show. If repairs to Payne's car are not perfect, the car may not handle correctly over the long race distance. Feeney, with a pristine car, will look to dominate.

The Championship Verdict: If Feeney walks away from Adelaide with a healthy points lead, the momentum shifts massively in his favor heading into the final rounds. If Payne can salvage podiums from this disaster, his stock will rise even higher.

Conclusion

The 2025 bp Adelaide Grand Final has delivered on its promise of high drama before the main races have even started. Broc Feeney has thrown down the gauntlet with a scintillating pole position, while Matt Payne has been handed a "get out of jail free" card—or perhaps a "do or die" challenge.

As the engines cool and the teams prepare for the races, one thing is certain: the streets of Adelaide will witness a war of attrition that will define the Supercars season. For Australian racing fans, it doesn't get better than this.

Sources: Speedcafe.com, The Canberra Times, Supercars.com.