Erebus Motorsport has revealed the Boost Mobile-backed livery that Greg Murphy and Richie Stanaway will run when they tackle this year’s Bathurst 1000.
After months of campaigning from fans, it was announced in June that the New Zealand countrymen would team up in the #51 Boost Mobile Commodore for the Great Race.
It marks the return to Supercars racing for Murphy and Stanaway after both retiring from the sport in 2012 and 2017 respectively.
“Like most motorsport fans, I cannot wait to see Murph and Richie take back the mountain in December,” Boost Mobile founder Peter Adderton said.
“The fans wanted this and it’s great that Boost Mobile and Erebus could make it happen.
“Richie is fast and has the talent to be a full-time driver and we’d like to see him get that chance; we all make mistakes and Richie’s learnt that the hard way.
“Murph has his own story to tell and has a huge amount of experience at the mountain. We’ve all seen his passion and dedication and he’ll compete as hard as any on the day.”
The new look Boost Mobile car has a customary black PPG base and wrapped in Metamark film, features the kiwi bird on the doors of the #51 Erebus entry, as well as striking grey and orange strokes.
The New Zealand-inspired livery also includes a raft of new partners, including New Zealand owned and operated plumbing system manufacturer Buteline, who have heavily contributed to the program alongside naming-rights partner Boost Mobile.
Polaris, the world leader in off road vehicles and ATV’s is also featured heavily, along with New Zealand car finance and loan company Stadium Finance.
“The livery looks amazing! The kiwi combined with the Boost branding is awesome, it’s a car you really want to race,” Murphy said.
“I know the fans are going to love it, especially the New Zealand fans. Anything that pays tribute to the Kiwi’s is going to be very well received.
“The reaction to this whole wildcard thing and the excitement around it has been incredible so I think the fans will really appreciate the livery and want to see it on track.
“It’s also very humbling to see the #51 back on the car and on the grid.”
Murphy carried the #51 to his 2003 Bathurst 1000 win and ‘Lap of the Gods’ pole lap.
Stanaway is also looking forward to racing under the iconic number.
“It’s pretty special to be driving in the #51 with Greg,” Stanaway said.
“It’s an iconic number so I’m going to have to bring my A-game and make sure I can represent the number well.
“For me, the most exciting part is to be back racing with a great team. I’ve put in a lot of preparation to make sure I am ready for the opportunity and can make the most of it.”
Erebus CEO Barry Ryan is looking forward to seeing both Murphy and Stanaway back on track for the season finale.
“Bathurst is obviously the biggest event on our calendar and to work alongside Boost and put this wildcard together has been amazing,” Ryan said.
“We’ve built a great car and terrific team, along with Murph and Richie who are both incredible talents, so we are looking forward to that Sunday in December.
“It’s been a difficult year for everyone but concluding the season with Bathurst will be great for the fans who I know are looking forward to seeing Murph and Richie back on track.”
The #51 Holden will hit the track at Winton Raceway today for the team’s driver evaluation day, as they await Murphy and Stanaway’s first full test day currently scheduled for mid-November.
Racing resumes at the Sydney SuperNight later this month, with Erebus teammates Brodie Kostecki and Will Brown currently placed 10th and 11th in the Championship.
It will be followed by three back-to-back events before the team heads to Mount Panorama for the Bathurst 1000, December 5.