Bathurst 1000 legend Greg Murphy is unsure if he will be fit to compete in the V8 SuperTourers first two-driver event at Taupo in September.

Murphy, who sits third in the V8 SuperTourers standings heading into the three ‘endurance’ races, continues to recover from recent back surgery which has ruled him out of all competition – including his regular V8 Supercars duties in the Pepsi Max Crew Commodore VE.

While he remains confident that he’ll be able to make his V8 Supercars return at the Dick Smith Sandown 500 later in September, he says that his appearance at Taupo remains in doubt.

“I haven’t been given clearance by my surgeon for the event in Taupo, and I’m certainly taking everything he says on board,” Murphy told Speedcafe.com.

“I’m not going to rush into anything that will potentially knock back my recovery.”

Murphy was originally slated to be paired with fellow New Zealander Fabian Coulthard in the races, but Coulthard has elected to pull out. According to Murphy, he says that he has one driver locked in, and is confident of finding a second if he is unable to compete.

“I’m confident that I have one guy locked in who is a name in Australia and has competed in Australia for many years,” Murphy said.

“And if I can’t do it, then I’m confident I’ll have another.

“I think either way, I’ll know what’s happening in the next few weeks.”

The Fathers Day 400 will be held at Taupo on September 1-2. The Dick Smith Sandown 500 will be held two weeks later on September 14-16.