Four-time Bathurst 1000 winner Greg Murphy is the latest high-profile name to sign up for next month’s Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.
The Kiwi, who is without a full-time V8 Supercar drive for the first time in 15 years, will tackle the race alongside Ivan Capelli and Jim Manolios in Trofeo Motorsport’s Corvette Z06.R.
Murphy replaces Rod Wilson in the line-up, with the former V8 Ute Series winner having stepped out of the car to focus on his role as the Pirelli tyre distributor.
Murphy will have his first drive of the Corvette in a test run at Phillip Island today, and says he’s looking forward to the experience.
“It’s been some years since I drove a GT car and I’m a huge Corvette fan, so this is a dream come true,” he said.
“Now that I’m not driving full-time in Supercars, I’ve finally got a chance to get in and drive some great cars.
“The SuperTourer I’ve been racing in New Zealand has the same LS7 powerplant (as the Corvette), so I know how good the engine is, and the car has an outstanding pedigree. I’m really looking forward to getting out there.”
Although Murphy has not previously competed in the Bathurst 12 Hour, he won the second of the two 24 Hour races held at Mount Panorama in the early 2000s, driving a purpose built Holden Monaro alongside Jason Bright, Todd Kelly and Peter Brock.
“I’m under no illusions about how hard the 12 Hour will be having completed the event twice over in 2003, but I don’t expect it will be too different from the 1000,” he said.
“You just have to keep out of trouble until the final stint and within sight of the leaders, and be ready to attack.
“That sounds good in theory, but with what looks to be a phenomenal entry list, it isn’t going to be easy, so we’ll be out to learn as much as we can on Friday and Saturday and drive smart early on Sunday so that we’re in the right position on Sunday afternoon.”
Manolios added his excitement at having Murphy on board in a tie-up that could see the Kiwi return for other multi-driver Australian GT Championship events later in the year, including the season finale in New Zealand.
“Greg will provide the team with a consistent element with which to help us move the car up the grid,” said Manolios.
Other names well known to V8 Supercars fans that will join Murphy in the February 10 race include Craig Lowndes, Shane van Gisbergen, Tim Slade, Lee Holdsworth, Steven Johnson and Alex Davison.
CLICK HERE to view the full entry list
The full race will be video streamed live on Speedcafe.com.
