Murphy/Richards Bathurst podium car's comeback

A historic Holden is set to return to racing as part of the support category line-up at next weekend's NTI Townsville 500. 

The Holden Commodore VE with which the late Jason Richards and Greg Murphy claimed second at the 2008 Bathurst 1000 will return to the Dunlop Super3 Series grid across July 8 - 10.

Layton Barker returns to the development series grid after a 12-month hiatus, driving the same ex-Tasman Motorsport VE Commodore he raced at Bathurst in 2020.

The Tasmanian racer will make his debut at the Reid Park street circuit, after missing out on the Far North Queensland round last year due to state border closures. 

"I have always loved my V8 Supercars, in 2020 I got the opportunity to do my first Super 3 race at Bathurst in the supercar that Jason Richards and Greg Murphy put on the podium at the Bathurst 1000 in 2008," Barker said.

"It was a very surreal experience and one I will never forget.

"The plan was to jump back in the Super 3 car for Townsville last year, but unfortunately border closures put a halt on that plan just before the event, which was very disappointing for both myself and my sponsors.

"With Super 3 heading back to Townsville this year I was keen to undo some of that disappointment, plus it’s a perfect opportunity to break up the Tassie winter and see a bit of sunshine."

Barker said the appeal of racing at a major regional event was part of the reason he chose to join the grid in Townsville.

"I love to go racing at these more regional towns as I find the locals really get behind and embrace the event," he explained.

"As an example, I was struggling to get a rental car, so I put a call out on a community page and within a couple of hours My Ute Rentals offered a car for my family and I to use while in town - I even had offers from locals offering me their personal cars, which is amazing.

"This will be my first time to Townsville and from what I have seen on the TV over the years, the track looks amazing but rather challenging.

"My expectations results-wise are not going to be too ambitious, I really just want to keep my nose clean and hand the car back without any damage.

"I would love to also do the Adelaide 500 if I can, as it has a fantastic atmosphere and I get some great support from local Adelaide sponsors."

The third round of the Dunlop Series will see the category take to the Reid Park street circuit at the NTI Townsville 500 across July 8-10.  Purchase your NTI Townsville 500 tickets now.