Murphy returns to Formula Ford roots

Supercars legend Greg Murphy will drive a Formula Ford at next weekend’s New Zealand Grand Prix event.

The four-time Bathurst winner has joined the Giltrap North Island Formula Ford grid.

Murphy, who came out of retirement at last year’s Bathurst 1000, will lap the car at Hampton Downs.

The 50-year-old will compete in a restored Van Dieman RF92.

The Van Dieman was originally driven by Belgian driver Vincent Radermecker.

It comes just four months after Murphy was reunited with his famous Penaut Slab Ford Sierra at last year’s Pukekohe Supercars round.

"It should be fun,” Murphy said of the Formula Ford cameo.

"It’s such an historic stepping stone for many of our young drivers.

Murphy in the Sierra last September

"The cars are great to drive so I might as well go out and have some fun.”

Murphy finished third in the 1990/91 New Zealand Formula Ford series, which was won by Andy McElrea.

The Kiwi’s son, Ronan, also competed in Formula Ford, and will race in Australia for the first time this year.

“Formula Ford is such a good training ground, particularly for those coming through from kartsport,” Murphy said.

"They are lively cars and the racing is incredibly close.

“It is the obvious transition from karting and a logical progression for karters who are able to quickly adapt.

“It’s great to see such a resurgence in New Zealand from all the hard work that people are putting into it and the coverage it is now getting.”

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will commence in Newcastle on March 10-12.

Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.