Pace Images

11/06/2026

Very sad to hear of the passing of the ‘Voice of Karting’ Matt Payne. An icon of the karting community and someone who knew the sport and its competitors inside and out. RIP Matty.

VALE: MATT PAYNE

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of long-time karting commentator Matt Payne aged 46.

For more than 20 years, Matt has been the voice of Australian karting, providing media and commentary services at events across the country. Through his work as a commentator and journalist, he witnessed the development of countless young drivers who have gone on to successful careers in motorsport, and he took genuine pride in helping tell their stories and celebrate their achievements. His passion for karting, his knowledge of the sport, and his familiar voice will be deeply missed by competitors, officials and families alike.

On behalf of everyone at Karting Australia and the broader karting community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his mother Helen, his brother Daniel, and the extended Payne family and friends during this very difficult time.

Details of Matt’s funeral arrangements will be shared once they are available.

09/06/2026

This week's throwback is to 2021 and the third round of the Australian Kart Championship. William Calleja put in a spectacular drive in the 20 lap final, starting 23rd in Cadet 12 and finishing 2nd behind James Anagnostiadis. Safe to say his helmet didn't hide any of the emotion on the in grid!

05/06/2026

Next on the calendar is Round 3 of the 2026 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Australia Scholarship Series at One Raceway in Goulburn.

Having missed the first two rounds due to date clashes, I'm keen for some door to door racing next weekend at a circuit I haven't had a chance to cover before.

I've got availability for photo packages for this event. I'll be trackside both Friday and Saturday to cover every session on and off track. If you'd like coverage, please feel free to send through a message!

02/06/2026

Back into the 10 Years of Pace Images throwbacks! This week it's Taylah Agius in full flight over the infamous "Ski Jump" at the Newcastle round of the 2019 Australian Kart Championship.

Something tells me Taylah was committed to getting a decent airborne shot because she gave me plenty of chances in this practice session to snag a shot! This one was captured on the in-lap after the checkered flag.

28/05/2026

Finally had a chance to sit down and watch the 7plus broadcast of Round 2 of the Australian Kart Championship at Ipswich. The quality of the broadcast has certainly come a long way in a very short time and now matches the professionalism of the AKC and the competitors that are on track.

Was cool to have Kai Allen as guest commentator, and something he said during the telecast reminded me of this epic finish at Monarto in KA4 Junior. Cooper Webster, Jay Hanson and Kai Allen crossing the line 3 wide in the final. Still one of the best finishes to a final I've had the privilege of capturing.

This shot was captured 9 years ago, to the day!

I've slipped a bit with the '10 Years of Pace Images' posts, so will get back into the routine of posting one each Tuesday!

25/05/2026

It may be a short track which looks pretty basic on a map, but I always love covering Supercars at Symmons Plains. Huge amount of character and plenty of angles for photographers. Thankfully this year the hairpin was back to being "green" on the photographer track map meaning we were able to have access to an awesome bit of race track.

Highlight of the weekend was obviously Andre grabbing BJR's first Toyota win, his second win for the team. After grabbing Pole Position earlier in qualifying, it was a great day.

Here are some of my favourite shots from across the weekend. Now it's straight back into finishing off editing from Round 2 of AKC!

18/05/2026

A night time shoot with Chase Saxild Racing on Saturday at Ipswich for the 2nd round of the Australian Kart Championship.

16/05/2026

Its Finals Day at Ipswich for Round 2 of the Australian Kart Championship today! Here’s some highlights from a huge Saturday.

04/05/2026

More highlights from a big weekend at Queensland Raceway for the 2 Days of Thunder Hi-Tec Oils Super Series event. Congrats to Alice Buckley and Tim Slade on their win in the TA2 Enduro!

Now for some time at home before heading back up to Ipswich for the next round of the Australian Kart Championship right next door!

03/05/2026

Mega job by Jett Leicester's team to rebuild his Formula Ford overnight following a big rollover at the start of the first race due to a brake failure at turn 3. A late night for the mechanics but they managed to get on track with minutes to spare for this morning's qualifying shootout.

Yokohama AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship | Queensland Raceway