One on One: Interviews with some of the top 7 drivers at the Sandown 500.

With the weekend of Sandown already beginning, your top 7 have come in with lots of confidence and some uncertainty. I managed to get some time with some of the top 7 drivers; Matt Payne, Chaz Mostert, Will Brown and Broc Feeney.

Exclusive photos from the pit straight at Sandown Raceway.

The drivers are all extremely confident coming into the weekend, with most happy with their abilities, including with the possibility of rain on the sunday. Matt Payne is confident, quoting it is "one of the most historic tracks for them (Penrite) in terms of the sport" and also loves the track being close to home. When mentioning the track conditions and the likelihood of rain, Payne discussed the trickiness of the wet weather here.

He mentioned the weather radar looking clear, but there could be a slight chance of rain appearing on the Sunday. He is ultimately aiming for that top 4, being third in the championship, so working very hard over the weekend to achieve that result.

As for Chaz Mostert, coming off the double win at the sunny Gold Coast, he has found that as an added boost of confidence to his race weekend here at Sandown. Mostert notes Sandown is "a very unique track and looks pretty basic from the top". He is up for the challenge of the close qualifying with only a few tenths possibly splitting the top 10. The 5 seasons in one day will prove tough for all the drivers, especially the uncertainty of the weather.

Chaz Mostert with a double win at the Gold Coast builds confidence heading into Sandown.

He is hoping to perform this weekend, given the unfortunate drop out of the top 7 of his teammate, Ryan Wood. When chatting, he spoke about Wood so highly even mentioning his great results, and how fast he has been. The team has rallied together to ensure they can go for the top 4, for themselves.

Finally we spoke to the duo, Will Brown and Broc Feeney. Currently leading the Drivers Championship, they were both confident in their ability as a team to maintain that lead, but similarly mentioned the uncertainty that Sandown brings. Brown has 2 wins previously at the track, and mentions having good races, both with Triple Eight (RedBull Ampol Racing) and previous teams.

Will Brown with his previous success whilst at Sandown Raceway.

Feeney previously claimed pole position here last year, so has some confidence. He even discussed the ability to race in the wet, but their unfortunate situation from Bathurst in the wet weather conditions.

Will Brown, mentions his biggest competitors being his teammate, Broc Feeney, but also discusses being on the bubble and also needing to beat Cam Waters and Matt Payne. Feeney discusses the importance of seeing everyone as a competitor, but mentions the form that Chaz Mostert is in, especially after his wins at the Gold Coast. He does also talk about the focus being on themselves as a team and trying the best they can.

The Enduros were tough for both RedBull Ampol drivers, with unfortunate results given the crazy weather they experienced, so both are hoping to bounce back here. With previous wins and great results for both of these drivers, it could go to either of them or both if they're lucky to secure one win each.

Finals Format:

The finals format is now the remaining 7 as they fight to make the top 4, over the weekend. A race win at any point over the weekend (either Saturday or Sunday) can ensure a drivers position in the top 4, whilst the remaining drivers fight for a spot.

Stats for the weekend:

Your previous Sandown 500 winner (500km Enduro):

Will Brown/Scott Pye (Triple Eight Race Engineering)

Most wins at Sandown:

1. Craig Lowndes (11)

2. Jamie Whincup (10)

3. Dick Johnson; Mark Skaife (6)

Previous winners at Sandown in 2025 field:

2 Wins: Will Davison

1 Win: James Courtney, Cam Waters, Broc Feeney, Will Brown