Murphy in 'good space mentally' for Bathurst comeback
Greg Murphy feels in a “good space” heading to his first Great Race in eight years.
Murphy and Richie Stanaway completed their third and final wildcard test on Wednesday.
The Kiwi duo will share. Boost Mobile-backed Erebus Commodore next week.
Erebus also shook down its repaired #9 car for Will Brown, who suffered a 56g crash in New Zealand.
That crash threatened to derail the wildcard, which had already been pushed back a year due to COVID-19.
Three tests in, and four-time winner Murphy - who just turned 50 - is raring to go.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Murphy said.
"This last test day felt awesome, I really enjoyed driving the car.
“The car feels great, driver changes are good, Richie’s fast.
"It’s been going really smoothly.
“It puts you in a good space mentally heading up there.”
Murphy needs no introduction when it comes to Bathurst, and has been profiled in the latest Repco Rewind podcast.
The podcast retells the story of Murphy’s fabled 2003 Shootout record, which is commonly known as the ‘Lap of the Gods’.
Nearly 20 years down the line, and much has changed for the veteran.
Murphy’s preparations for Bathurst also included exhibition races aboard a Sierra in New Zealand earlier this month.
However, laps in a ZB Commodore have proven invaluable, with Murphy admitting he has had to relearn much of his craft.
The Holden legend’s last Great Race start came alongside James Courtney in 2014 before he moved into broadcasting.
Murphy all but confirmed Stanaway, who is listed as the primary driver, will also qualify the car.
Stanaway last raced in 2019, but is 19 years Murphy’s junior.
The 30-year-old completed qualifying simulations at Wednesday’s test, with Murphy saying his countryman is also ready to go.
Asked whether he and Stanaway have ticked every box with preparation, Murphy said: “I really think so, which I didn’t think I’d be saying.
“Based on what’s been thrown at us, with availability, time and the pressures of a race team running cars.
“I don’t think there’s much more I could’ve wished for.
“Richie did some quali-style runs to set himself up mentally, they went really well.
“I got to do a reasonably long run as well, and settled in.
“Just trying to fine-tune some idiosyncrasy things in the driver side.
“I found and realised some new things about these cars, which is cool."
Cars will hit the track at Mount Panorama for Practice 1 on Thursday October 6.
Tickets for the Repco Bathurst 1000 are available on Supercars.com and Ticketek.
