TV Ratings (12/10/2025): Matt Payne Wins First Bathurst 1000
If you needed any proof that F1 is not the pinnacle of motorsport viewing, yesterday's crash fest was it.
Matt Payne may have crossed the line second, but thanks to a well-timed penalty against James Golding, he took home the gold in his first Bathurst 1000 race.
With wet weather causing chaos at Mount Panorama and safety cars deployed, this year’s race is being hailed as the most exciting in years – a fact proven true with the ratings.
- Total TV national reach: nearly 4 million
- National average: 1,493,000
The showdown reached third overall and first among non-news programs.
With five laps to go, it looked like Cooper Murray might be home free, but Golding’s decision to overtake Murray proved detrimental, spinning them both out and gifting Payne the lead.
Golding regained control and raced to the lead once more, but not without receiving a five-second penalty that would prove to be his downfall as the race closed out.
Author's summary: Matt Payne wins his first Bathurst 1000 due to a well-timed penalty.