Payne and Reynolds locked in at Grove Racing in 2023

David Reynolds and Matthew Payne will form Grove Racing’s line-up for the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship.

Payne is promoted from the team’s Dunlop Super2 Series entry, replacing the retiring Lee Holdsworth, whom he partners at the Repco Bathurst 1000.

Reynolds and Payne will lead the charge into a new era for Supercars when they drive the team’s Gen3 Ford Mustangs.

“I’m really happy to have the next stage of my career locked in, I really feel like we’re moving in the right direction together ahead of Gen3 and we’re all on the same page as a team as we continue to grow,” said Reynolds.

“We’ve had some strong results this year and we can continue to get better. It’ll be a good challenge having Matt join us full-time, he’s been quick in everything he’s raced so I hope we push each other and ultimately move the team forward.”

Payne will make his full-time Supercars main-game debut in 2023.

“It’s a nice feeling to announce this prior to heading to Mount Panorama for my first Bathurst 1000,” he said.

“I would like to thank the whole Grove Group especially Steve, Brenton and Tania for placing so much belief in my ability from a very early stage in my racing career, and to my personal crew for making it all fall into place so early on.

“I feel ready for Supercars and the learning process that goes with it. Grove Racing is a team that has enormous potential and plenty of upside to succeed. 

“The new Gen3 era is going to be exciting, and I can’t wait to hit the track next year but first is Bathurst – Lee and I have a job to do there, as well as my Super2 campaign, which we are still in with a shot of winning in our first year.”

Grove Racing team principal David Cauchi added: “Our driver line-up next year provides us with a good mix of youth and experience. Dave has been a real leader for us and has shown everyone this year that he can be at the pointy end when he has the right car to work with, so we’re glad to extend our relationship with him.

“Matt has been a part of the Grove Junior Team and will be the first driver to come through that program and graduate to a main series seat. He has shown his ability in our Super2 car this year, and it will be exciting to see a fast rookie in the Supercars championship. 

“With the change to Gen3 cars and regulations in 2023, everyone will be adapting and learning a new car, so it will be a challenge for all drivers and teams.”

CLICK HERE to purchase the 2022 Repco Bathurst 1000 official program.