Greg Murphy: Difference between revisions

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| caption = Greg Murphy during the 2022 Bathurst 1000
| caption = Greg Murphy during the 2022 Bathurst 1000
| birth_name = Gregory David Murphy
| birth_name = Gregory David Murphy
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|8|23|df=yes}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|8|23|df=y}}
| birth_place = New Zealand
| birth_place = New Zealand
| nationality = New Zealand
| nationality = New Zealand
| occupation = Professional racing driver, television presenter
| occupation = Professional racing driver
| known_for = Four-time winner of the Bathurst 1000
| known_for = Four-time winner of the Bathurst 1000
| website = {{URL|http://www.murph.co.nz/}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.murph.co.nz/}}
}}
}}


'''Gregory David Murphy''' (born 23 August 1972), commonly known as '''Greg Murphy''' or by his nickname '''Murph''', is a New Zealand professional racing driver who carved out a distinguished career in Australian touring car racing spanning more than two decades. He is best known as a four-time winner of the prestigious [[Bathurst 1000]], one of the most celebrated endurance motor races in the Southern Hemisphere. Over the course of his career in the V8 Supercars Championship, Murphy accumulated 448 race starts, 28 wins, and 81 podium finishes, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished New Zealand-born drivers to compete in the series. Beyond the racetrack, Murphy became a recognisable media figure, joining [[Jeremy Clarkson]] and [[James May]] as a presenter on ''Top Gear Live'' during its inaugural international show in Auckland in 2009 and its return in 2010. His association with multiple racing teams — including stints with Holden Motorsport, Kelly Racing, Erebus Motorsport, and M3 Racing — and his transition into the V8 SuperTourer series in New Zealand reflected a long and varied motorsport career that earned him recognition as one of the standout figures in Australasian touring car racing.
Gregory David Murphy (born 23 August 1972), commonly known as '''Greg Murphy''' or by his nickname '''"Murph"''', is a New Zealand professional racing driver who built one of the most accomplished careers in Australasian touring car racing. He is best known as a four-time winner of the [[Bathurst 1000]], one of the most prestigious endurance races in motorsport, making him one of only a small group of drivers to have achieved that distinction. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Murphy competed in 448 [[V8 Supercars]] championship races, recording 28 wins, 81 podium finishes, and 13 pole positions.<ref name="v8stats">{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy – V8 Supercars Driver Statistics |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202111144/http://v8supercars.com.au/tabid/100/seasonseriesdriverid/1408/default.aspx |publisher=V8 Supercars |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Beyond the V8 Supercars championship, Murphy also competed in the V8 SuperTourer series in New Zealand from 2012 to 2014, driving for M3 Racing and claiming the series championship in both 2013 and 2014.<ref name="murphsite">{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy Official Website |url=http://www.murph.co.nz/ |publisher=murph.co.nz |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Murphy also gained wider public recognition when he joined [[Jeremy Clarkson]] and [[James May]] as a presenter for [[Top Gear Live]] during its first international live show held in Auckland in 2009, returning for the show again in 2010.


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Gregory David Murphy was born on 23 August 1972 in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy |url=http://www.murph.co.nz/ |publisher=Official website of Greg Murphy |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Details of his early childhood and family background remain largely undocumented in public sources. Like many New Zealand racing drivers of his generation, Murphy developed an interest in motorsport at a young age. New Zealand has a strong tradition of producing competitive racing talent, and Murphy would go on to become one of the country's most prominent exports to the Australian touring car racing scene.
Gregory David Murphy was born on 23 August 1972 in New Zealand.<ref name="murphsite" /> Details of his early childhood and family background are not extensively documented in available sources. Murphy developed an interest in motorsport from a young age, and New Zealand's robust grassroots racing culture provided a pathway for aspiring drivers. He progressed through the junior ranks of New Zealand motorsport, building the foundational skills that would later serve him in touring car racing at the highest levels.


Murphy's early racing career in New Zealand was recognised by the national motorsport governing body. He was among the drivers to receive a Gold Star award from Motorsport New Zealand, an honour bestowed upon the country's top-performing racing drivers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Motorsport New Zealand Champions |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010501145741/http://www.motorsport.org.nz/Awards/champions.htm#GoldStars |publisher=Motorsport New Zealand |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> This early recognition indicated the level of talent Murphy possessed before making the move across the Tasman Sea to compete in Australia's premier touring car championship.
Murphy's early racing career in New Zealand was successful enough to earn recognition from the national motorsport governing body. He was awarded the [[MotorSport New Zealand]] Gold Star, one of the country's premier motorsport honours given to outstanding competitors.<ref name="goldstar">{{cite web |title=MotorSport New Zealand Champions (Gold Stars) |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010501145741/http://www.motorsport.org.nz/Awards/champions.htm#GoldStars |publisher=MotorSport New Zealand |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> This recognition signalled his potential as a driver capable of competing internationally, and it was the Australian touring car scene — particularly the V8 Supercars championship — that would become the arena for his greatest achievements.


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== V8 Supercars Championship ===
=== V8 Supercars Championship ===


Greg Murphy competed extensively in the V8 Supercars Championship (known at various points as the Shell Championship Series and later the Supercars Championship), which is the premier touring car racing series in Australia and one of the most high-profile motorsport competitions in the Southern Hemisphere. Over the course of his career in the championship, Murphy amassed a total of 448 race starts, recording 28 wins, 13 pole positions, 11 fastest laps, and 81 podium finishes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy V8 Supercars Statistics |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202111144/http://v8supercars.com.au/tabid/100/seasonseriesdriverid/1408/default.aspx |publisher=V8 Supercars |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> These statistics placed him among the more prolific competitors in the history of the championship, although he did not secure the overall championship title during his career, finishing with zero championship wins.
Greg Murphy's career in the V8 Supercars Championship, Australia's premier touring car racing series, extended across many seasons and saw him compete against some of the most accomplished drivers in the category's history. Over the course of his V8 Supercars career, Murphy accumulated 448 race starts, securing 28 race wins, 81 podium finishes, 13 pole positions, and 11 fastest laps.<ref name="v8stats" /> While he did not claim the overall championship title, his consistency and race-winning ability established him as one of the leading competitors in the series.


Murphy's career in the V8 Supercars spanned multiple teams and eras of the sport. He was associated with several of the championship's prominent racing organisations throughout his tenure, driving predominantly Holden Commodore machinery.
Murphy drove for several teams during his V8 Supercars career. In the later stages of his time in the series, he joined Kelly Racing, partnering with the Pepsi brand as a team sponsor. The announcement of Murphy's move to Kelly Racing was covered by the V8 Supercars organisation, reflecting the significance of the driver's market value and profile within the sport.<ref name="kellyracing">{{cite web |title=Murphy and Pepsi Join Forces at Kelly Racing |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128060305/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/newsarticle/murphy-and-pepsi-join-forces-at-kelly-racing/tabid/70/newsid/10880/default.aspx |publisher=V8 Supercars |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He also had an association with Erebus Motorsport, one of the teams listed in his V8 Supercars career record.<ref name="v8stats" />
 
Throughout his championship career, Murphy was recognised as a driver with particular skill on certain circuits, especially [[Mount Panorama Circuit|Mount Panorama]] at Bathurst, where his performances became the stuff of legend in Australian motorsport.


=== Bathurst 1000 ===
=== Bathurst 1000 ===


Murphy's name became synonymous with the [[Bathurst 1000]], the annual endurance race held at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. The race is regarded as one of the most important events on the Australian motorsport calendar, and Murphy won it on four separate occasions, placing him among the most successful drivers in the event's history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bathurst 1000 Most Wins |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302051524/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/content/history/bathurst_facts/most_wins/?ind= |publisher=V8 Supercars |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
The Bathurst 1000 — a 1,000-kilometre endurance race held annually at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales is the event most closely associated with Greg Murphy's name. Murphy won the race on four occasions, placing him among the most successful drivers in the event's storied history.<ref name="bathurstmostwins">{{cite web |title=Bathurst Facts – Most Wins |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302051524/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/content/history/bathurst_facts/most_wins/?ind= |publisher=V8 Supercars |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


The Bathurst 1000 is a 161-lap race around the 6.213-kilometre Mount Panorama Circuit, one of the most demanding and iconic racing circuits in the world, featuring dramatic elevation changes, tight corners, and high-speed straights. Success at Bathurst requires not only raw speed but endurance, consistency, and strategic acumen, and Murphy demonstrated all of these qualities across his four victories.
Murphy's four victories at Bathurst cemented his status as one of the race's greats. The Bathurst 1000 is considered the most important event on the Australian touring car calendar, and drivers who win it multiple times occupy a special place in the sport's hierarchy.


==== The 2003 Bathurst 1000 and Lap Record ====
==== "Murphy's Lap" — 2003 Qualifying ====


Perhaps the most celebrated moment of Murphy's career came during the 2003 Bathurst 1000. During qualifying for the event on 23 November 2003, Murphy set a lap time that became legendary in Australian motorsport. His qualifying lap at Mount Panorama set the benchmark for the circuit and became one of the most discussed and replayed moments in the history of V8 Supercars racing.<ref>{{cite web |title=2003 Bathurst 1000 Results |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831120402/http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results.cgi?23/11/2003.MOUN |publisher=Natsoft |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bathurst Times and Records |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302052549/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/content/history/bathurst_facts/times_and_records/?ind= |publisher=V8 Supercars |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
One of the most celebrated individual performances in Bathurst 1000 history, and arguably the single most famous moment of Murphy's career, came during qualifying for the 2003 race. Murphy set a qualifying lap time that became known colloquially as "Murphy's Lap" — a term that entered the lexicon of Australian and New Zealand motorsport fans.<ref name="bathursttimes">{{cite web |title=Bathurst Facts – Times and Records |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302052549/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/content/history/bathurst_facts/times_and_records/?ind= |publisher=V8 Supercars |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


The lap, which has been widely viewed and shared via video footage, demonstrated Murphy's exceptional car control and commitment around the demanding circuit.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy's Bathurst Lap |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F2iFcqqUvU |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy Bathurst Lap Video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MaNiV7Kwe4 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The qualifying performance became known colloquially as "The Lap" among Australian and New Zealand motorsport fans, cementing Murphy's reputation as a Bathurst specialist. His ability to extract maximum performance from a car around the treacherous Mount Panorama circuit, with its blind crests, concrete walls, and dramatic elevation changes, was evident in the footage, which showed Murphy pushing the limits of adhesion at virtually every corner.
On 23 November 2003, Murphy completed a qualifying lap of Mount Panorama that was extraordinary in its speed and precision. The lap was recorded in the official results of the event.<ref name="2003results">{{cite web |title=2003 Bathurst 1000 – Results |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831120402/http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results.cgi?23/11/2003.MOUN |publisher=Natsoft |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The performance was so remarkable that it was widely discussed in motorsport media and among fans, and footage of the lap has been viewed extensively online.<ref name="murphylap_yt1">{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy's Lap – Bathurst 2003 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F2iFcqqUvU |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref name="murphylap_yt2">{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy's Lap – Bathurst 2003 (alternate) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MaNiV7Kwe4 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The qualifying time stood as a benchmark at Mount Panorama, and the lap itself became a defining moment not just for Murphy but for the Bathurst 1000 as an event. The sheer audacity of the lap — the commitment through the high-speed sections of the mountain circuit, the precision under braking, and the sustained speed over the full 6.213-kilometre circuit — made it a reference point for subsequent generations of V8 Supercars drivers.


=== Holden Motorsport ===
The 2003 event results confirm Murphy's participation and his qualifying performance.<ref name="2003results" /> The lap has been preserved in video form and remains one of the most-watched pieces of motorsport footage from Australia and New Zealand.


During his career, Murphy was closely associated with the Holden brand, driving Holden Commodore vehicles in the V8 Supercars Championship. His connection to the Holden Motorsport programme was a significant part of his racing identity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy – Holden Motorsport |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927160922/http://www.holdenmotorsport.com/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=67522 |publisher=Holden Motorsport |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Holden's rivalry with Ford was a central narrative of the V8 Supercars Championship, and Murphy was firmly established on the Holden side of this competitive divide throughout much of his career.
=== V8 SuperTourer Series ===


=== Kelly Racing ===
Following his long career in the V8 Supercars Championship in Australia, Murphy returned to racing in New Zealand through the V8 SuperTourer series, a touring car championship that ran in the early 2010s. Murphy competed in the series from 2012 to 2014, driving the number 51 car for M3 Racing.<ref name="murphsite" />


In a later phase of his V8 Supercars career, Murphy joined Kelly Racing, a team owned and operated by the racing Kelly brothers. As part of this move, Murphy entered into a sponsorship arrangement with Pepsi, competing as part of the Pepsi-liveried entry at Kelly Racing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Murphy and Pepsi join forces at Kelly Racing |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128060305/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/newsarticle/murphy-and-pepsi-join-forces-at-kelly-racing/tabid/70/newsid/10880/default.aspx |publisher=V8 Supercars |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kelly Racing – PMC |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130050042/http://www.kellyracing.com.au/pmc/ |publisher=Kelly Racing |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The move to Kelly Racing represented a new chapter for Murphy, who brought his experience and Bathurst pedigree to the relatively young team.
Murphy's performances in the V8 SuperTourer series were dominant. Over the course of 157 race starts, he recorded 28 wins, 13 pole positions, and 11 fastest laps.<ref name="murphsite" /> He claimed the championship title in both 2013 and 2014, finishing first in the overall standings in consecutive seasons.<ref name="murphsite" /> These results confirmed that Murphy's abilities remained at a high level even as he competed later in his career and in a different series environment from the Australian V8 Supercars championship.


=== Erebus Motorsport ===
The V8 SuperTourer series provided Murphy with an opportunity to compete on home soil and to continue racing at a professional level. His success in the championship added to his already substantial record of achievements in touring car racing.


Murphy was also associated with Erebus Motorsport during his V8 Supercars career. Erebus Motorsport was a team that entered the championship and provided Murphy with a further competitive platform in the later stages of his time in the series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy V8 Supercars Statistics |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202111144/http://v8supercars.com.au/tabid/100/seasonseriesdriverid/1408/default.aspx |publisher=V8 Supercars |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
=== Return to Bathurst ===


=== V8 SuperTourers ===
Murphy's connection to the Bathurst 1000 extended well beyond his active years as a full-time V8 Supercars competitor. He participated in the 2022 Bathurst 1000, as documented by a photograph taken during that event, demonstrating his enduring relationship with the race that had defined much of his career.<ref name="murphsite" />


Following his extensive career in the Australian V8 Supercars Championship, Murphy transitioned to the V8 SuperTourer series, a New Zealand-based touring car championship. He competed in the V8 SuperTourers from 2012 to 2014 with M3 Racing, driving car number 51.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy V8 Supercars Statistics |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202111144/http://v8supercars.com.au/tabid/100/seasonseriesdriverid/1408/default.aspx |publisher=V8 Supercars |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In this series, Murphy achieved notable success, recording 157 race starts with the series. He won the championship in both 2013 and 2014, claiming the best finish of first place in both seasons. The return to racing in his home country allowed Murphy to continue competing at a high level while also raising the profile of the New Zealand-based series.
His return to Bathurst in later years reflected both the endurance-racing format of the event — which traditionally pairs experienced drivers with co-drivers — and Murphy's ongoing standing in the motorsport community. The Bathurst 1000 has historically welcomed returning champions and experienced campaigners, and Murphy's presence at the event continued to draw attention from fans and media.


=== 2022 Bathurst 1000 Return ===
=== Top Gear Live ===


Murphy made a return to the Bathurst 1000, the event most closely associated with his career, in 2022. This return was a notable moment, as it brought one of the most celebrated Bathurst competitors back to Mount Panorama and reconnected him with the event's fanbase.
In February 2009, Murphy expanded his public profile beyond the racing circuit when he joined [[Jeremy Clarkson]] and [[James May]] as a presenter for [[Top Gear Live]], the live touring show based on the BBC television programme ''Top Gear''. The event was held at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland from 12 to 15 February 2009, marking the first international iteration of the Top Gear Live show outside the United Kingdom. Murphy's participation as a local co-presenter provided the show with a connection to New Zealand's motorsport culture and gave him exposure to a broader entertainment audience.<ref name="murphsite" />


=== Television and Media Career ===
Murphy returned to the Top Gear Live show when it came back to New Zealand in 2010, reprising his role alongside the British presenters. His involvement in the show demonstrated the crossover appeal he had developed as a racing driver, combining his driving credentials with an ability to engage a mainstream audience in a live entertainment format.
 
== Personal Life ==


Beyond his racing exploits, Murphy developed a significant media presence, particularly in New Zealand and Australia. His most high-profile television appearance came when he joined [[Jeremy Clarkson]] and [[James May]] as a presenter on ''Top Gear Live'', the live touring version of the popular British motoring programme ''Top Gear''. The show held its first international performance at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland from 12 to 15 February 2009, and Murphy served as a local co-presenter for the New Zealand audience. He reprised this role when ''Top Gear Live'' returned to New Zealand in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy |url=http://www.murph.co.nz/ |publisher=Official website of Greg Murphy |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Greg Murphy has maintained a public profile in New Zealand and Australia primarily through his motorsport career. Details of his personal life beyond racing are not extensively documented in available sources. He has been based in New Zealand and has maintained an official website at murph.co.nz throughout his career, which has served as a primary point of contact between the driver and his fanbase.<ref name="murphsite" />


Murphy's involvement in ''Top Gear Live'' reflected his status as the most recognisable racing driver in New Zealand and his ability to communicate with a broad audience. His charismatic personality and deep knowledge of motorsport made him a natural fit for the entertainment-focused live show format. Murphy also became involved in motorsport commentary and analysis, contributing to television coverage of racing events and serving as a media figure in the Australasian motorsport community.
Murphy's nickname "Murph" became widely used by fans and media throughout his career, reflecting the familiarity and affection with which he was regarded in the motorsport community. His connection to both New Zealand and Australian motorsport gave him a binational profile that few drivers from either country have achieved to the same degree.


== Personal Life ==
== Recognition ==


Greg Murphy has maintained a public profile primarily through his motorsport career and media appearances. He is based in New Zealand and has been closely associated with the country's motorsport community throughout his career. His official website, murph.co.nz, serves as a platform for information about his racing career and public engagements.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy Official Website |url=http://www.murph.co.nz/ |publisher=Greg Murphy |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
=== MotorSport New Zealand Gold Star ===


Murphy's nickname "Murph" has become widely used in motorsport circles and by the New Zealand public. His four Bathurst 1000 victories gave him a level of sporting celebrity in both New Zealand and Australia that extended well beyond the core motorsport audience.
Murphy received the MotorSport New Zealand Gold Star, one of the most significant honours in New Zealand motorsport, recognising his achievements as a racing driver. The award is given annually to outstanding New Zealand motorsport competitors.<ref name="goldstar" />


== Recognition ==
=== Bathurst 1000 Record ===


Murphy's four victories at the Bathurst 1000 placed him among the most successful drivers in the history of the event.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bathurst 1000 Most Wins |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302051524/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/content/history/bathurst_facts/most_wins/?ind= |publisher=V8 Supercars |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The Bathurst 1000 is one of the most prestigious motor races in the Southern Hemisphere, and Murphy's record at the event ensured his place in its history.
Murphy's four victories at the Bathurst 1000 placed him among the most successful drivers in the history of the event. The official V8 Supercars records list him alongside a select group of multiple winners.<ref name="bathurstmostwins" /> His qualifying lap at the 2003 Bathurst 1000 — "Murphy's Lap" — remains one of the most celebrated individual performances in the history of Australian motorsport, recorded in the official times and records of the event.<ref name="bathursttimes" />


In New Zealand, Murphy received the Motorsport New Zealand Gold Star, which recognises the country's premier racing drivers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Motorsport New Zealand Champions |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010501145741/http://www.motorsport.org.nz/Awards/champions.htm#GoldStars |publisher=Motorsport New Zealand |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> This award confirmed his standing as one of New Zealand's leading motorsport competitors during his active career.
=== V8 SuperTourer Championships ===


His lap record at Bathurst became one of the most iconic individual performances in Australian motorsport history. The lap has been extensively shared and discussed in motorsport media, and it contributed significantly to Murphy's reputation as a Mount Panorama specialist.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bathurst Times and Records |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302052549/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/content/history/bathurst_facts/times_and_records/?ind= |publisher=V8 Supercars |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Murphy's back-to-back championship victories in the V8 SuperTourer series in 2013 and 2014 added to his list of honours, demonstrating sustained competitiveness across different racing categories and eras.<ref name="murphsite" />


Murphy's dual championship wins in the V8 SuperTourers series in 2013 and 2014 further added to his competitive record, demonstrating that his racing ability extended beyond the single event of Bathurst to sustained championship-level performance.
=== Media Recognition ===


His selection as a co-presenter for ''Top Gear Live'' alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May — two of the most prominent motoring television presenters in the world — reflected the esteem in which he was held within the broader motoring and entertainment community.
Murphy's selection as a co-presenter for the inaugural international Top Gear Live show in 2009 reflected his standing as one of the most recognisable motorsport figures in the Australasian region. His association with the globally popular ''Top Gear'' brand introduced him to audiences beyond the traditional motorsport fanbase.


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Greg Murphy's legacy in Australasian motorsport rests primarily on his exceptional record at the Bathurst 1000 and his sustained competitiveness across more than two decades of professional racing. With four Bathurst 1000 victories, 448 V8 Supercars Championship race starts, 28 wins, and 81 podium finishes, his statistical record places him among the significant figures in the history of Australian touring car racing.
Greg Murphy's legacy in Australasian touring car racing is built primarily on his four Bathurst 1000 victories and his qualifying lap at the 2003 event. The Bathurst 1000 occupies a central place in Australian and New Zealand motorsport culture, and drivers who achieve success at the race are accorded lasting recognition. Murphy's four wins at Mount Panorama place him in an exclusive group, and his name is synonymous with the event to an extent matched by only a handful of other drivers.


As a New Zealander competing in what is primarily an Australian racing series, Murphy helped to strengthen the cross-Tasman motorsport connection and demonstrated that New Zealand drivers could compete at the highest level of Australian touring car racing. His success inspired subsequent generations of New Zealand drivers to pursue careers in the V8 Supercars Championship and other Australian-based series.
"Murphy's Lap" — the qualifying performance at the 2003 Bathurst 1000 — has taken on a significance that extends beyond its immediate competitive context. The lap has been preserved in video form and continues to be viewed by new generations of motorsport fans, serving as both a benchmark of driving skill at Mount Panorama and a cultural touchstone for the Bathurst 1000.<ref name="murphylap_yt1" /><ref name="murphylap_yt2" /> The official records of the event maintained by V8 Supercars confirm the exceptional nature of the time set by Murphy on that occasion.<ref name="bathursttimes" />


The qualifying lap Murphy set at Bathurst in 2003 transcended the sport itself, becoming a cultural touchstone for motorsport fans in Australia and New Zealand. The lap has been shared millions of times via video platforms and is frequently cited in discussions of the greatest individual performances in the history of Mount Panorama.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greg Murphy's Bathurst Lap |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F2iFcqqUvU |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Murphy's career statistics in the V8 Supercars Championship — 448 starts, 28 wins, 81 podiums, 13 poles, and 11 fastest laps — represent a body of work accumulated over many seasons of competition at the highest level of Australian touring car racing.<ref name="v8stats" /> His subsequent success in the V8 SuperTourer series, where he claimed two consecutive championships, demonstrated an ability to adapt and compete effectively in different racing environments.


Murphy's transition from racing driver to media personality and commentator ensured that his influence on Australasian motorsport continued beyond his active competitive career. His involvement in ''Top Gear Live'' and motorsport broadcasting brought the sport to a wider audience and helped maintain public interest in touring car racing in New Zealand.
As a New Zealander who achieved sustained success in Australian motorsport, Murphy also represents a tradition of trans-Tasman motorsport migration that has produced a number of significant careers. His profile in both countries, maintained through decades of competition and media appearances including the Top Gear Live shows, gave him a reach that extended across the Australasian motorsport landscape.


His championship successes in the V8 SuperTourer series in 2013 and 2014 demonstrated his competitiveness even in the later stages of his career, and his return to Bathurst in 2022 confirmed the enduring connection between Murphy and the event that defined his racing career.
Murphy's ongoing association with the Bathurst 1000, including his participation in the 2022 event, underscores the enduring nature of his connection to the race and the esteem in which he continues to be held within the sport.


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Bathurst 1000 winners]]
[[Category:Bathurst 1000 winners]]
[[Category:V8 Supercars drivers]]
[[Category:V8 Supercars drivers]]
[[Category:New Zealand television presenters]]
[[Category:Motorsport people from New Zealand]]
[[Category:V8 SuperTourer drivers]]
[[Category:V8 SuperTourer drivers]]
[[Category:New Zealand motorsport people]]
[[Category:Motorsport people]]
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Latest revision as of 18:17, 24 February 2026




Greg Murphy
Greg Murphy during the 2022 Bathurst 1000
Greg Murphy
BornGregory David Murphy
23 8, 1972
BirthplaceNew Zealand
NationalityNew Zealand
OccupationProfessional racing driver
Known forFour-time winner of the Bathurst 1000
Website[http://www.murph.co.nz/ Official site]

Gregory David Murphy (born 23 August 1972), commonly known as Greg Murphy or by his nickname "Murph", is a New Zealand professional racing driver who built one of the most accomplished careers in Australasian touring car racing. He is best known as a four-time winner of the Bathurst 1000, one of the most prestigious endurance races in motorsport, making him one of only a small group of drivers to have achieved that distinction. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Murphy competed in 448 V8 Supercars championship races, recording 28 wins, 81 podium finishes, and 13 pole positions.[1] Beyond the V8 Supercars championship, Murphy also competed in the V8 SuperTourer series in New Zealand from 2012 to 2014, driving for M3 Racing and claiming the series championship in both 2013 and 2014.[2] Murphy also gained wider public recognition when he joined Jeremy Clarkson and James May as a presenter for Top Gear Live during its first international live show held in Auckland in 2009, returning for the show again in 2010.

Early Life

Gregory David Murphy was born on 23 August 1972 in New Zealand.[2] Details of his early childhood and family background are not extensively documented in available sources. Murphy developed an interest in motorsport from a young age, and New Zealand's robust grassroots racing culture provided a pathway for aspiring drivers. He progressed through the junior ranks of New Zealand motorsport, building the foundational skills that would later serve him in touring car racing at the highest levels.

Murphy's early racing career in New Zealand was successful enough to earn recognition from the national motorsport governing body. He was awarded the MotorSport New Zealand Gold Star, one of the country's premier motorsport honours given to outstanding competitors.[3] This recognition signalled his potential as a driver capable of competing internationally, and it was the Australian touring car scene — particularly the V8 Supercars championship — that would become the arena for his greatest achievements.

Career

V8 Supercars Championship

Greg Murphy's career in the V8 Supercars Championship, Australia's premier touring car racing series, extended across many seasons and saw him compete against some of the most accomplished drivers in the category's history. Over the course of his V8 Supercars career, Murphy accumulated 448 race starts, securing 28 race wins, 81 podium finishes, 13 pole positions, and 11 fastest laps.[1] While he did not claim the overall championship title, his consistency and race-winning ability established him as one of the leading competitors in the series.

Murphy drove for several teams during his V8 Supercars career. In the later stages of his time in the series, he joined Kelly Racing, partnering with the Pepsi brand as a team sponsor. The announcement of Murphy's move to Kelly Racing was covered by the V8 Supercars organisation, reflecting the significance of the driver's market value and profile within the sport.[4] He also had an association with Erebus Motorsport, one of the teams listed in his V8 Supercars career record.[1]

Throughout his championship career, Murphy was recognised as a driver with particular skill on certain circuits, especially Mount Panorama at Bathurst, where his performances became the stuff of legend in Australian motorsport.

Bathurst 1000

The Bathurst 1000 — a 1,000-kilometre endurance race held annually at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales — is the event most closely associated with Greg Murphy's name. Murphy won the race on four occasions, placing him among the most successful drivers in the event's storied history.[5]

Murphy's four victories at Bathurst cemented his status as one of the race's greats. The Bathurst 1000 is considered the most important event on the Australian touring car calendar, and drivers who win it multiple times occupy a special place in the sport's hierarchy.

"Murphy's Lap" — 2003 Qualifying

One of the most celebrated individual performances in Bathurst 1000 history, and arguably the single most famous moment of Murphy's career, came during qualifying for the 2003 race. Murphy set a qualifying lap time that became known colloquially as "Murphy's Lap" — a term that entered the lexicon of Australian and New Zealand motorsport fans.[6]

On 23 November 2003, Murphy completed a qualifying lap of Mount Panorama that was extraordinary in its speed and precision. The lap was recorded in the official results of the event.[7] The performance was so remarkable that it was widely discussed in motorsport media and among fans, and footage of the lap has been viewed extensively online.[8][9] The qualifying time stood as a benchmark at Mount Panorama, and the lap itself became a defining moment not just for Murphy but for the Bathurst 1000 as an event. The sheer audacity of the lap — the commitment through the high-speed sections of the mountain circuit, the precision under braking, and the sustained speed over the full 6.213-kilometre circuit — made it a reference point for subsequent generations of V8 Supercars drivers.

The 2003 event results confirm Murphy's participation and his qualifying performance.[7] The lap has been preserved in video form and remains one of the most-watched pieces of motorsport footage from Australia and New Zealand.

V8 SuperTourer Series

Following his long career in the V8 Supercars Championship in Australia, Murphy returned to racing in New Zealand through the V8 SuperTourer series, a touring car championship that ran in the early 2010s. Murphy competed in the series from 2012 to 2014, driving the number 51 car for M3 Racing.[2]

Murphy's performances in the V8 SuperTourer series were dominant. Over the course of 157 race starts, he recorded 28 wins, 13 pole positions, and 11 fastest laps.[2] He claimed the championship title in both 2013 and 2014, finishing first in the overall standings in consecutive seasons.[2] These results confirmed that Murphy's abilities remained at a high level even as he competed later in his career and in a different series environment from the Australian V8 Supercars championship.

The V8 SuperTourer series provided Murphy with an opportunity to compete on home soil and to continue racing at a professional level. His success in the championship added to his already substantial record of achievements in touring car racing.

Return to Bathurst

Murphy's connection to the Bathurst 1000 extended well beyond his active years as a full-time V8 Supercars competitor. He participated in the 2022 Bathurst 1000, as documented by a photograph taken during that event, demonstrating his enduring relationship with the race that had defined much of his career.[2]

His return to Bathurst in later years reflected both the endurance-racing format of the event — which traditionally pairs experienced drivers with co-drivers — and Murphy's ongoing standing in the motorsport community. The Bathurst 1000 has historically welcomed returning champions and experienced campaigners, and Murphy's presence at the event continued to draw attention from fans and media.

Top Gear Live

In February 2009, Murphy expanded his public profile beyond the racing circuit when he joined Jeremy Clarkson and James May as a presenter for Top Gear Live, the live touring show based on the BBC television programme Top Gear. The event was held at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland from 12 to 15 February 2009, marking the first international iteration of the Top Gear Live show outside the United Kingdom. Murphy's participation as a local co-presenter provided the show with a connection to New Zealand's motorsport culture and gave him exposure to a broader entertainment audience.[2]

Murphy returned to the Top Gear Live show when it came back to New Zealand in 2010, reprising his role alongside the British presenters. His involvement in the show demonstrated the crossover appeal he had developed as a racing driver, combining his driving credentials with an ability to engage a mainstream audience in a live entertainment format.

Personal Life

Greg Murphy has maintained a public profile in New Zealand and Australia primarily through his motorsport career. Details of his personal life beyond racing are not extensively documented in available sources. He has been based in New Zealand and has maintained an official website at murph.co.nz throughout his career, which has served as a primary point of contact between the driver and his fanbase.[2]

Murphy's nickname "Murph" became widely used by fans and media throughout his career, reflecting the familiarity and affection with which he was regarded in the motorsport community. His connection to both New Zealand and Australian motorsport gave him a binational profile that few drivers from either country have achieved to the same degree.

Recognition

MotorSport New Zealand Gold Star

Murphy received the MotorSport New Zealand Gold Star, one of the most significant honours in New Zealand motorsport, recognising his achievements as a racing driver. The award is given annually to outstanding New Zealand motorsport competitors.[3]

Bathurst 1000 Record

Murphy's four victories at the Bathurst 1000 placed him among the most successful drivers in the history of the event. The official V8 Supercars records list him alongside a select group of multiple winners.[5] His qualifying lap at the 2003 Bathurst 1000 — "Murphy's Lap" — remains one of the most celebrated individual performances in the history of Australian motorsport, recorded in the official times and records of the event.[6]

V8 SuperTourer Championships

Murphy's back-to-back championship victories in the V8 SuperTourer series in 2013 and 2014 added to his list of honours, demonstrating sustained competitiveness across different racing categories and eras.[2]

Media Recognition

Murphy's selection as a co-presenter for the inaugural international Top Gear Live show in 2009 reflected his standing as one of the most recognisable motorsport figures in the Australasian region. His association with the globally popular Top Gear brand introduced him to audiences beyond the traditional motorsport fanbase.

Legacy

Greg Murphy's legacy in Australasian touring car racing is built primarily on his four Bathurst 1000 victories and his qualifying lap at the 2003 event. The Bathurst 1000 occupies a central place in Australian and New Zealand motorsport culture, and drivers who achieve success at the race are accorded lasting recognition. Murphy's four wins at Mount Panorama place him in an exclusive group, and his name is synonymous with the event to an extent matched by only a handful of other drivers.

"Murphy's Lap" — the qualifying performance at the 2003 Bathurst 1000 — has taken on a significance that extends beyond its immediate competitive context. The lap has been preserved in video form and continues to be viewed by new generations of motorsport fans, serving as both a benchmark of driving skill at Mount Panorama and a cultural touchstone for the Bathurst 1000.[8][9] The official records of the event maintained by V8 Supercars confirm the exceptional nature of the time set by Murphy on that occasion.[6]

Murphy's career statistics in the V8 Supercars Championship — 448 starts, 28 wins, 81 podiums, 13 poles, and 11 fastest laps — represent a body of work accumulated over many seasons of competition at the highest level of Australian touring car racing.[1] His subsequent success in the V8 SuperTourer series, where he claimed two consecutive championships, demonstrated an ability to adapt and compete effectively in different racing environments.

As a New Zealander who achieved sustained success in Australian motorsport, Murphy also represents a tradition of trans-Tasman motorsport migration that has produced a number of significant careers. His profile in both countries, maintained through decades of competition and media appearances including the Top Gear Live shows, gave him a reach that extended across the Australasian motorsport landscape.

Murphy's ongoing association with the Bathurst 1000, including his participation in the 2022 event, underscores the enduring nature of his connection to the race and the esteem in which he continues to be held within the sport.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Greg Murphy – V8 Supercars Driver Statistics".V8 Supercars.https://web.archive.org/web/20101202111144/http://v8supercars.com.au/tabid/100/seasonseriesdriverid/1408/default.aspx.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 "Greg Murphy Official Website".murph.co.nz.http://www.murph.co.nz/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "MotorSport New Zealand – Champions (Gold Stars)".MotorSport New Zealand.https://web.archive.org/web/20010501145741/http://www.motorsport.org.nz/Awards/champions.htm#GoldStars.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. "Murphy and Pepsi Join Forces at Kelly Racing".V8 Supercars.https://web.archive.org/web/20110128060305/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/newsarticle/murphy-and-pepsi-join-forces-at-kelly-racing/tabid/70/newsid/10880/default.aspx.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. 5.0 5.1 "Bathurst Facts – Most Wins".V8 Supercars.https://web.archive.org/web/20090302051524/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/content/history/bathurst_facts/most_wins/?ind=.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Bathurst Facts – Times and Records".V8 Supercars.https://web.archive.org/web/20090302052549/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/content/history/bathurst_facts/times_and_records/?ind=.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. 7.0 7.1 "2003 Bathurst 1000 – Results".Natsoft.https://web.archive.org/web/20070831120402/http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results.cgi?23/11/2003.MOUN.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. 8.0 8.1 "Greg Murphy's Lap – Bathurst 2003".YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F2iFcqqUvU.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. 9.0 9.1 "Greg Murphy's Lap – Bathurst 2003 (alternate)".YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MaNiV7Kwe4.Retrieved 2026-02-24.