Overview

• James Golding crossed the line first but a five‑second penalty for contact with leader Cooper Murray reclassified him to third, handing victory to Matt Payne and Garth Tander from 18th on the grid.
• Official podium: Payne/Tander (Grove Racing) from David Reynolds/Lee Holdsworth (Team 18), with Golding/David Russell (PremiAir Racing) third after the time penalty.
• Torrential rain, low cloud and near-zero visibility produced seven safety cars, four in the final 35 laps, compressing the field for a frantic multi-car fight to the flag.
• Key contenders faltered as Ryan Wood retired from contention with engine failure, Broc Feeney crashed on cold wet tyres, and pole-sitter Brodie Kostecki slumped to 18th after mechanical and penalty troubles.
• Off track, Erebus owner Betty Klimenko cable‑tied herself to the Peter Brock Trophy before the drivers’ parade in a protest highlighting her team’s 2024 win.