Matt Payne's potential debut in the NASCAR Cup Series did not materialize due to a decision by Grove Racing. The 23-year-old Supercars driver was offered a seat by Richard Childress Racing for the Sonoma race from Chevrolet's side, but the team blocked the move.
Although the race on June 28 did not clash with the Supercars schedule, Grove Racing did not allow Payne's NASCAR debut. Team owner Stephen Grove cited their ongoing relationship with Ford and the driver's continuing wrist injury as reasons for the decision.
Grove also questioned why GM chose Payne over a driver from their own lineup. This stance has brought back to light a disagreement that has been simmering behind the scenes for about a year.
Manager Patrizi's Strong Criticism
Payne's manager Michael Patrizi said this opportunity would have been a major gain both for the driver and Australian motorsport. Patrizi emphasized that racing with a top-level NASCAR team is important not only for Payne's career but also for the international visibility of Supercars.
He noted that Shane van Gisbergen's success in NASCAR opened a new door for talents from the region. According to Patrizi, Payne appearing on a similar stage would have expanded this story and attracted new fans to the sport.
The manager also pointed out that GM wanting to place Payne with a top team like RCR shows the driver's market value. Patrizi described this opportunity as a development that would positively impact the sport as a whole.
GM Also Considering Team 18 Connection
The report also mentioned that Patrizi is central to plans being discussed on GM's side regarding Payne's future. According to these plans, GM aims to bring the driver to Team 18 in the future, offering a high salary and international opportunities.
However, Grove Racing believes Payne must fulfill his current contract through the end of 2027. For this reason, the NASCAR invitation appears to be part of a broader power struggle between teams.
While Payne has recently become one of the standout names in Supercars with his performance, this situation has made the attention around him more visible. Although the NASCAR seat is closed in the short term, discussions about the driver's future continue.
