Stanaway heading to Bathurst with 'clean slate'
A "reinvigorated" Richie Stanaway is keen to have a clean slate when he arrives in Bathurst.
Stanaway and Greg Murphy completed their second test at Winton on Tuesday.
It came two days after the Kiwi duo took the covers off their Erebus wildcard racer.
Tuesday’s running was the first in two months in the Erebus Commodore for Murphy and Stanaway.
Where June’s test was a chance to blow off cobwebs, Tuesday was about consolidation.
The team focused on driver changes and ergonomics, with weather making new tyre running moot.
Both drivers are now comfortable in the car itself, although Murphy admitted he is still dealing with "massive" aerodynamic changes.
The #51 Boost Mobile car on track on Tuesday
Murphy last started a Bathurst 1000 eight years ago, and Stanaway three years ago.
Notably, the pairing isn’t running a seat insert, meaning time will be of the essence in pit stops.
However, while Murphy spent 2013 and 2014 as a dedicated co-driver, Stanaway quit racing while competiting full-time.
October’s race will be Stanaway’s first as a listed co-driver in 2017, something he is excited by.
"We’re going to Bathurst, having not raced this car before," Stanaway said.
"The last two years I was racing full-time, you kind of know how your season’s been going.
"It’s not like you turn up to Bathurst and magically go better than you have all season.
"I’m going into it this year with a clean slate, and I don’t know what to expect.
"I feel invigorated, and I’m pumped to see how we go."
Murphy will turn 50 a few weeks prior to the October 6-9 event.
The four-time Bathurst winner said at Sunday’s livery launch that he has maintained fitness despite the wildcard being postponed a year.
The other question mark has been Stanaway’s hunger, given he gave away racing altogether at the end of 2019, aged just 28.
However, just two tests in, and Stanaway is already itching to get to Bathurst.
Notably, Stanaway was eager to test himself against the current full-time crop, many of whom he last raced in 2019.
Stanaway has yet to commit whether he will race on beyond October’s race.
Right now, the former open-wheel star’s ambitions are centred on getting a good result at Mount Panorama.
"If we get to Sunday night with no major mistakes, that’s number one," Stanaway said.
"Second to that, I don’t know what to expect in terms of a result.
"I just want to make sure I’m doing the best job I can.
"It’s a good test for me to see where I’m at.
"Hopefully we’re in a solid position for those last few stints.
"It’ll be a challenge being up against the full-time drivers after some time off."
The New Zealanders will hit the track for a third and final test at Winton on September 28.
Tickets for this year's Repco Bathurst 1000 are on sale now.
