Winner Chaz Mostert (L) celebrates with second placed Will Davison following race two of the Taupo Supercars round. Photo: photosport
Ford drivers Matt Payne and Chaz Mostert have grabbed a win apiece in the two sprint races at the Taupō round of the Supercars Championship.
New Zealander Payne led from pole in the first of two 37-lap races, capitalising on a clever strategy from his Grove Racing team to stop one lap later than his rivals during an early safety car penalty.
Payne remained on top to finish ahead of Cam Waters, who is second in the championship standings behind Will Brown, New Zealander Ryan Wood and Anton De Pasquale.
Supercars drivers line up in Taupo. Photo: photosport
Australians Mostert and Kostecki duelled hard for victory in race two, regularly swapping position amid a feisty battle until Mostert pulled clear late in his Mobil1 Optus Racing car.
It was a flat day for the Red Bull Ampol Racing team, who dominated the first three rounds of the championship.
Both Brown and Broc Feeney struggled in Friday's practice, and neither Chevrolet challenged for the podium in the sprint races.
Brown placed fifth and seventh to see his overall lead over Waters reduced to just 12 points.
Payne has climbed to fourth place, and will hope to improve further in Sunday afternoon's 61-lap race.
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