Bathurst champ confirms shock Supercars comeback

Four-time champion Greg Murphy has announced he'll drive at this year's Bathurst 1000, seven years after he last raced at Mount Panorama.

Murphy will share a Boost Mobile-backed wildcard entry with fellow Kiwi Richie Stanaway, with the car to be prepared and run by Erebus Motorsport.

Murphy has won the race four times; 1996 (with Craig Lowndes), 1999 (with Steven Richards), 2003 and 2004 (both with Rick Kelly).

Greg Murphy on the way to his 2003 Bathurst 1000 win with Rick Kelly.

His 2003 'Lap of the Gods' remains one of the race's most iconic moments, with Murphy taking a full second off the previous best qualifying time, and becoming the first driver to lap Mount Panorama in under 2 minutes 7 seconds.

Murphy's announcement comes six weeks after confirmation of a similar comeback for long-time rival Russell Ingall.

"All of a sudden here's a group of people who are wanting and willing to make this happen," Murphy said.  

"I'm very fortunate and lucky to be presented with the opportunity to go back and race at a place that means so much to me.

Greg Murphy and Rick Kelly celebrate their 2003 Bathurst 1000 victory.

"The number 51 has become a signature that has been associated with me and my career for quite some time so it will be cool to bring it back."

Both Murphy and Stanaway have previously driven for Boost Mobile owner Peter Adderton, with Murphy's relationship with the brand stretching back to 1994.

"At first I didn't think Pete was being serious, like a lot of people but then he reached out to me," Stanaway said.  

"I've had a really good relationship with Boost, it's been great to have a sponsor that's supported me and believed in me.

Greg Murphy and Richie Stanaway will team up for Erebus Motorsport at this year's Bathurst 1000.

"I'm really grateful for their support and I'm glad we're going ahead with it because I'm really looking forward to it."

Stanaway is making a comeback of his own, having retired from the sport at the end of the 2019 season.

The 29-year-old New Zealand driver, who will be making his fifth Bathurst 1000 start, says it's a dream to team up with Murphy.

"Murph has always been a big inspiration of mine and driving with Murph is one of the big reasons why I want to come back," he said.

"It's cool to have someone of his calibre back in the car at the biggest race of the year.  

"Erebus are a team I've always admired, and they've done a great job over the past few years so I'm really looking forward to seeing what it's all like from the inside."

Murphy will be making his 23rd start in the Bathurst 1000, having finished 13th with James Courtney in his most recent appearance, in 2014.

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