Matt Payne claims ninth pole at Sandown as qualifying drama unfolds

Matt Payne earned his ninth pole of the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship after posting the fastest lap in the Top Ten Shootout at Sandown. Anton De Pasquale qualified second, followed by Cooper Murray, Brodie Kostecki and Zach Bates in the top five.

Qualifying saw a mixed performance from the season's frontrunners. Kai Allen topped the opening phase with a lap of 1:08.174, while Will Brown was eliminated in Phase 1 and will start the race from 19th on the grid after finishing 20th in Saturday's race. In Phase 2, Matt Payne set the quickest time at 1:07.886, securing his place in the shootout. Cam Waters and Chaz Mostert failed to progress, finishing 18th and 11th respectively.

Four of the seven championship finalists – Payne, De Pasquale, Kostecki and Broc Feeney – advanced to the Top Ten Shootout, a reduction from the previous day's session when all seven had qualified. Feeney improved his starting position, moving from 10th to sixth in the shootout.

The results set up a competitive grid for Sunday's race, with Payne looking to convert his pole position into a strong finish as the championship enters its final stages.