Matt Payne has emulated Kiwi compatriots Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen by adding his name to the Mt Panorama honour roll with a victory for the ages on Sunday in a crazy, chaotic Bathurst 1000.

Payne, a 23-year-old from Auckland, is second on the Supercars standings but had a shocker in qualifying, starting in 18th position on the grid.

But the Grove Racing Mustang driver made amends in one of the most dramatic, spectacular races in Bathurst’s illustrious history, keeping his cool as a host of his big-name rivals imploded, partnering veteran Garth Tander to clinch the trophy after a race that will live long in the memory.

“It actually got really tough there when the rain was coming down at its most,” Payne said after winning by lesson that a second in a time of 6:52:14.938 .

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