A number of New Zealand’s motorsport stars, including V8 racing legend Greg Murphy, are being recognised for their world-class efforts in a new display at this year’s CRC Speedshow dubbed the New Zealand Legends of Speed.

Each ‘legend’ will be represented by a significant race car or bike from their career at the 20-21 July running of CRC Speedshow in Auckland.

Greg Murphy fans will have a unique opportunity to see the fully-restored K-Mart Holden Commodore in which he won the 2003 Bathurst 1000 race after qualifying with his record-breaking ‘lap of the gods’.

Murphy will again be at CRC Speedshow this year as one of the V8 SuperTourer drivers and supporting anti-suicide charity Casper. He says he was humbled and delighted by the phone call from CRC Speedshow director Ross Prevette asking for his participation in the Legends of Speed display.

“It is nice to have recognition for things that you’ve done,” says Murphy from his home in Melbourne. “So many Kiwis that have done so well overseas in their motorsport careers, it’s quite phenomenal to see how many New Zealanders, from our tiny country, have been able make a career and lifestyle out of the sport across a wide range of disciplines. We’re all pretty fortunate to have achieved that.

“I think what’s really special is that so many New Zealanders follow motorsport. It’s very popular pastime – Kiwis have a huge interest in the sport and I think that’s not recognised enough.”

Murph’s 2003 Bathurst-winning Holden V8 Supercar is owned and was restored by Queensland-based enthusiast and collector John Anderson, who has kindly agreed to make the car available from its present location – the Bathurst Museum – for the display at CRC Speedshow.

Murphy added: “The thing about that car, that moment in time, it seems it’s more special to many people almost more than it is for me. Nearly ten years on, it’s still a massive talking point. People always want to talk about that lap, that win at Bathurst, what was so different, how did it happen. So what this achievement meant to other people is quite cool and that’s something I’ll certainly never forget.

“The car is back in absolute, perfect condition, basically 100% original. Driving it last year for the 50th anniversary at Bathurst was very special in itself. To have it at CRC Speedshow for people to see in all its glory, to take photos with, I hope people enjoy that. I’m rapt we can show a car like that which registers with people, its history. John Anderson, the owner, quite a collection of race cars and he enjoys people enjoying the cars as much as he does.”

Prevette adds: “When we came up with the idea of creating a New Zealand Legends of Speed display, there was an immediate problem – how to pick just a selected number of New Zealand racers who define the word ‘legend’?

“I expect many people will think of other Kiwis who deserve the title ‘legend’, but the inaugural CRC Speedshow New Zealand Legends of Speed line-up comprises: by Bruce McLaren, Burt Munroe, Chris Amon, Craig Baird, Denny Hulme, Emma Gilmour, Graeme Crosby, Greg Murphy, Ivan Mauger, Jim Richards, John Britten, Kenny Smith, Paul Radisich, Possum Bourne, Reece Fish, Rod Millen and Scott Dixon.

“We’re very excited about the vehicles we’ve been able to secure which represent different aspects of our legends’ careers. Murph’s K-Mart Commodore is just one of a whole array of very special vehicles. It’s going to be great!”

Alongside the New Zealand Legends of Speed feature display, July’s CRC Speedshow includes new cars and motorcycles, classics from many eras, a free seminar series, the latest automotive technology, supplies and experts and the new Castrol EDGE / Teng Tools Custom and Classic Show with more than 50 of New Zealand’s finest customised cars, pickups and motorcycles.

News and information about the 2013 CRC Speedshow are regularly updated on the event website, www.speedshow.co.nz, or follow CRC Speedshow on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Speedshow), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/speedshownz) and Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/speedshow/).