Unemployed Murph to work for the dole at Grand Prix
23/1/2001 23:38 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) - A “happy coincidence” was how discarded V8 Supercar driver Greg Murphy described his invitation to race at the upcoming Australian Formula One Grand Prix.
Melbourne GP organisers ensured Murphy, an official event ambassador, would see some track time over the Grand Prix weekend by awarding him wildcard entry into the Lamborghini Supertrophy event in support of the Formula One show.
Murphy, along with fellow wildcarder 500cc Motorcycle champ Wayne Gardner, will be part of the 22-car international field aboard exotic Lamborghini Diablo GTRs.
Ironically, Murphy had the opportunity to race a “Lambo” (the older SVR model) at Albert Park in 1998 thanks to an enforced lay-off by the Holden Racing Team. The New Zealander finished first in one of the four races, and third in two others.
"They're fun things to race and they're very entertaining because they're so spectacular," the former Gibson Motorsport ace said.
"I'm really rapt to have the chance to do it all again, especially as they're bringing out the GTRs this time," he said.
The internationally renowned “beasts” of world Sportscar racing will entertain the Melbourne crowds in races on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Lamborghini showcase shares the AGP support card with the V8 Supercars, of which 28-year-old Murphy will not take part.
Melbourne plays host to the first round of the Formula One World Championship on March 1-4.
In the meantime, Murphy is working desperately hard behind the scenes to secure a full-time drive for the complete Shell Championship Series, refusing to give up hope.
While a deal to rejoin the Holden Racing Team for the endurance events is on the table, a more permanent drive, possibly as part of the Larry Perkins garage, is still a possibility.
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