In a year celebrating a century of passion, performance, and perseverance in Australia, Ford has once again conquered Mount Panorama. In one of the most thrilling and demanding Bathurst 1000 races in recent memory, Grove Racing's Matt Payne and Garth Tander piloted their Ford Mustang to a legendary victory, etching their names into the annals of Australian motorsport history. This monumental win, Ford's first at the Great Race since 2019, is a fitting tribute to 100 years of the Blue Oval in Australia, a testament to the enduring spirit of competition that has defined the brand for a century.
The 2025 Repco Bathurst 1000 was a crucible of skill and resilience, a dramatic, rain-soaked battle that tested the limits of every car and driver. For Payne and Tander, the path to glory was the epitome of grit and determination. Starting from a challenging 18th on the grid, the duo masterfully navigated the treacherous, wet conditions that stopped many of their competitors in their tracks. Their relentless drive through the field showcased a perfect blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience, with 23-year-old Payne securing his maiden Bathurst crown and veteran Tander claiming his sixth, and his very first in a Ford.
The closing laps of the nearly seven-hour epic were a nail-biting spectacle of strategy and raw pace. Payne, in a stunning display of composure, capitalized on a dramatic late-race incident to seize the lead, holding his nerve to bring the Mustang home for a famous win. The victory was not just a win for Grove Racing, but a win for every Ford fan across the nation, a powerful embodiment of the 'never say die' attitude that has been a hallmark of Ford's racing heritage.
This historic achievement at the hallowed grounds of Mount Panorama is more than just another trophy; it's a milestone in Ford Australia's centenary year. It symbolizes a century of innovation, from the first locally manufactured Ford in 1925 to the cutting-edge performance of the modern Mustang. The fighting spirit of Matt Payne and Garth Tander mirrors the enduring legacy of the Ford brand in Australia - a legacy of pushing boundaries, overcoming challenges, and a relentless passion for victory. This win is for the fans, for the history, and for the next 100 years of Ford in Australia.
