Grove Racing has blocked Matthew Payne from making a NASCAR Cup Series debut with Chevrolet, despite General Motors' efforts to place him with Richard Childress Racing for a race at Sonoma.

Grove Racing, which fields Ford Mustangs, cited its alliance with Ford and Payne's contract until the end of 2027 as reasons for the denial.

Grove Racing boss Stephen Grove stated that Payne is not permitted to participate in opportunities conflicting with his contractual obligations or jeopardizing their relationship with Ford Racing.

Grove also mentioned Payne's recovery from a broken wrist as a reason to limit his activities and questioned why GM approached a contracted driver from a competing manufacturer.

Payne, who joined Grove's junior program in 2021, has achieved significant success in Supercars and currently sits second in the 2026 championship.