New Zealand drivers Greg Murphy and Richie Stanaway will not be racing the iconic Bathurst 1000 as part of Boost Mobile Racing after all options were exhausted in their bid to be granted an MIQ quarantine placement and a return to New Zealand after the race. Following the passing of this deadline, Boost Mobile and Erebus Motorsport has committed to once again trying to facilitate a Greg Murphy-led car for the 2022 Bathurst 1000.

The drivers, Boost Mobile, Erebus Motorsport and Supercars all worked tirelessly in trying to obtain a place for both drivers and secure their return to New Zealand following the race, not just through the NZ MIQ Quarantine system but other exemptions that have not been successful.

The deadline of today was placed to ensure the practical, safe and responsible running of the specially developed Boost Mobile Racing car, such that both drivers would need to travel to Australia this weekend to participate in seat preparation and testing on track at Sydney Motorsport Park on Tuesday. 

While disappointing for race fans across Australia and New Zealand, the decision also enables Erebus Motorsport to focus on those cars and drivers that will be able to take to the grid for the Bathurst 1000. Boost Mobile Racing has been overwhelmed by the support of this concept by racing fans, and will now look to bring this to life in 2022.

Peter Adderton, Boost Mobile Founder

“I want to thank everyone who has been involved behind the scenes for several months now in our attempt to be able to not just bring Greg and Richie over to Australia, but ensure they can then safely return home. We are a people-driven company and we ultimately could not ask Greg and Richie to come over here in good conscience knowing we had no clear timeline for their return to New Zealand. 

“We did everything within our means to make this happen and I am so bitterly disappointed that it is not to be. I also want to thank the many fans who have reached out both publicly and privately not just to express their support but also to see how they could help. It shows just how special this would have been, which is why we will do everything possible to make this happen in 2022 instead.”

Greg Murphy, Supercars Legend and Boost Mobile Racing Driver

“I can’t explain how frustrating it has been not being able to put our plan into action. I know it’s not the most important thing in the world and COVID has impacted so many people in far more serious ways, but Richie and I were really looking forward to doing this and the effort that has gone into the prep of the car and behind the scenes has been enormous. We have played by the same rules as every other person trying to get a spot in MIQ and most have better reasons than we do for getting a spot and that is the way it is. It’s a lottery and our numbers haven’t come up.”

“Boost Mobile Racing has been remarkable throughout. Peter’s vision and the investment in this idea, the car and everything that goes into entering a car in Bathurst is significant, and I hope that we can repay the faith and the support of racing fans by looking ahead to 2022.”

Barry Ryan, CEO, Erebus Motorsport

“I want to thank everyone that has stayed committed to this project right until the very end. It is not over though, we will call it postponed as we look forward to options in 2022.

“Everyone has put in such a tremendous effort and we are extremely disappointed that with all the work and preparation from both Boost Mobile and our team that we haven’t been able to see this come to fruition.

“Peter Adderton’s enthusiasm is second to none and he and everyone at Boost Mobile has done absolutely everything in his power to try and bring this to life for the fans. I want to thank him for his passion and vision. Also a thank you to our team who have built a superb car and done everything to ensure this car is ready come race day. We should all be proud of our efforts to get this so close to happening and I look forward to seeing us pull it off in 2022. I hope for a less COVID-affected season next year and seeing all fans, both from Australia and New Zealand, able to come and support us at Bathurst.”