The 2024 Repco Supercars Championship roared into life at the iconic Albert Park Grand Prix circuit, delivering a great weekend of motorsport action. With Melbourne turning on the weather, the race culminated in a dramatic victory in the final sprint race of the Melbourne SuperSprint for veteran Nick Percat, driver of the #10 Bendix Chevrolet Camaro for Matt Stone Racing.
This triumph not only snapped Triple Eight Race Engineering’s winning streak in 2024 but also marked Percat’s first win since Sydney 2020. A satisfying result for the 35-year-old who has had a rough time of it in recent years. Revealing post-race that he had considered quitting the sport after a forgettable, two season stint with Walkinshaw Andretti United, before a change of heart saw the veteran driver sign with Matt Stone Racing in the off-season.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the weekend, Will Brown of Triple Eight emerged victorious in the Larry Perkins Trophy competition, solidifying his team’s dominance and propelling himself to the top of the championship standings.
Percat Secures First Win Since 2020
In perfect, warm and sunny conditions at the Albert Park circuit, Matt Stone Racing’s Nick Percat capitalised on a chaotic opening lap to claim a thrilling victory in the Melbourne Supersprint finale. A collision at Turn 9 between Chaz Mostert (Mobil 1 Optus Ford) and race leader Matt Payne (Penrite Ford) shuffled the order significantly, presenting Percat with an unexpected opportunity. Seizing the initiative, Percat steered his #10 Bendix Chevrolet Camaro to the front and displayed remarkable composure to hold off a determined challenge from Triple Eight Race Engineering.
The battle for supremacy intensified as Broc Feeney, Percat’s closest pursuer, mounted a sustained challenge. However, the decisive moment arrived when Will Brown, Feeney’s teammate, executed a daring overtake at Turn 4. This audacious manoeuvre resulted in a three-car Chevrolet Camaro breakaway, with Percat, Brown, and Feeney locked in an intense duel for the win.
Despite a valiant effort from Mostert to recover from the early incident, the superior pace of the Triple Eight Camaros proved insurmountable. Percat remained cool and calm under pressure, fending off Brown’s persistent attacks to secure a well-deserved victory. This win marked a significant milestone for Percat, not only ending Triple Eight’s unbeaten streak in 2024 but also signifying his first win since Sydney 2020. With this triumph, Percat has now cemented his position as a serious contender for the championship title.
Brown Reigns Supreme in the Perkins Trophy
While Percat stole the limelight in the final race, the Larry Perkins Trophy, awarded to the most consistent driver across the entire Melbourne Supersprint weekend, went to Triple Eight’s Will Brown. Brown’s exceptional performance, coupled with teammate Feeney’s two victories, underscored the dominance of the Chevrolet Camaro throughout the event.
Brown and Feeney displayed impressive teamwork, sharing race wins and consistently challenging for podium finishes. Ultimately, Brown’s superior consistency across all four races secured him the coveted Perkins Trophy and propelled him to the top of the championship standings. This dominant display by Triple Eight has laid down a significant marker for the rest of the field.
Ford Falters in Melbourne
The Melbourne Supersprint proved to be a challenging weekend for Ford entrants. The early race collision between Mostert and Payne significantly impacted their respective championship aspirations. Although Mostert attempted a spirited comeback, he ultimately fell short of challenging for podium positions.
Other Ford drivers also struggled to find their rhythm, with a series of incidents hindering their progress. This lack of consistency exposed vulnerabilities and ultimately handed the advantage to the dominant Chevrolet Camaros, particularly Triple Eight’s Brown and Feeney.
Focus Shifts to New Zealand
With the Melbourne chapter closed, the championship now sets its sights on the upcoming ITM Taupō Super400 in New Zealand, scheduled for April 19-21. The competition heads across the Tasman Sea, where drivers will face a different track layout, presenting a fresh set of challenges.
Percat’s Melbourne win has injected a dose of excitement into the championship. The combined forces of Triple Eight’s dominance and Ford’s eagerness to bounce back promise a fiercely contested battle in New Zealand. Can Percat maintain his winning momentum? Will Brown retain his championship lead? And can Ford find a way to challenge the Chevrolet supremacy? These questions will undoubtedly be answered as the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship continues to unfold.
The Melbourne Supersprint weekend never ceases to amaze, and this year the race delivered an engrossing spectacle for all motorsport enthusiasts. Percat’s dramatic victory, Brown’s Perkins Trophy win, and Ford’s struggles have set the stage for another action-packed continuation of the championship in New Zealand. With the competition intensifying, the battle for the 2024 Supercars title is shaping up to be a closely fought affair. Keep up to date with all the latest motorsport news and supercar news as we turn our attention to the Super400 in New Zealand.
