Stanaway's first box ticked in test day

Richie Stanaway already feels comfortable in the car after nearly three years out of the seat.

Wednesday’s test marked Stanaway’s first Supercar laps in 927 days.

The Kiwi joined countryman Greg Murphy in their first of three test days ahead of October’s Repco Bathurst 1000.

Stanaway was first to lap the Erebus-prepared wildcard car at Winton on Wednesday.

After "getting muscle memory back", Stanaway was able to focus on creature comforts.

Little did he expect he would have it covered after the very first day.

"The main thing I wanted to tick off today was being comfortable in the car," he said.

"Fortunately, we didn’t have to make any changes, which is quite rare.

"Usually you can feel comfortable in the car garage-wise and then you drive out and you realise you have to change a bunch of things.

"We ended the day knowing we don’t have to muck around with that.

"Greg and I are in the same seat, we don’t have to worry about inserts.

"For the next two days, we can press on and do more advanced work."

Stanaway’s previous Supercar laps came at the 2019 season finale in Newcastle.

Only that night did he announce he was leaving racing for good.

That was until last year when he and Murphy were lured out of retirement by Erebus and Boost Mobile for a Bathurst bid.

Stanaway said the extra year to prepare has helped him to work on his fitness after feeling "out of shape".

After all was said and done, all that was left was finally getting back into the car.

Stanaway’s first laps impressed Murphy, who believes the 30-year-old still has much to achieve.

For Stanaway, Wednesday was a matter of regaining the skillset what he gave away in November 2019.

"First impression of the car was great," he said.

"Straightaway on the first lap, I was really impressed by the car.

"It was a matter of building myself up to it, because I’ve been out of it for a few years.

"Just finding the grip and the braking zones again.

"We’ve obviously got two more days, didn’t want to go too crazy."

The Murphy/Stanaway entry is one of three confirmed wildcards for this year's Repco Bathurst 1000.

The Kiwi duo will test the car on August 16 and September 20 before the October 6-9 event.

The 2022 season will resume in Darwin on June 17-19. Purchase your tickets now.

Tickets for this year's Repco Bathurst 1000 are on sale now.