Murph slides back into TGL hot seat

Greg Murphy is New Zealand's motorsport 'god'.

Our very own iconic motor racing go-to guy, Greg Murphy, is stepping up to the plate to co-host Top Gear Live, for the second time.

The four-time Bathurst 1000 winner has been asked to take part in the globally-recognised TV programme Top Gear and its live spinoff, alongside Jeremy Clarkson, James May and The Stig, of course.

His involvement started when "somebody who knew someone, who knew me, thought I might be alright for it, and my name was put forward and away it went. Right place at the right time, I suppose".

As well as his on-camera role, Murphy has been asked to add a bit more pizzazz to the event.

"I'm a bit more involved this year in the process of building the product. They've been very kind in making it look like I'm more than I probably am," said Murphy.

"TGL is going to be quite big next year, and quite unique in comparison to some of the other live shows around the world.

"There's the like of the circuit, where we're building a track and the stunt schools. We're getting more interactive with the fans, and I'm helping out with ideas to get the fans more involved and other things.

"In New Zealand we're really stepping it up with the outside track, and a Ford/Holden challenge."

New Zealand's motor sport "god" won Bathurst in 1996, '97, '03 and '04, and this year he showed he's still got what it takes on the mountain by finishing fourth, with Mark Skaife.

Murphy made his move to open-wheelers in 1995, driving the Audi Quattro A4 and the occasional V8 endurance round.

He moved to the V8 Supercars fulltime in 1997, and has never looked back.

A living legend in New Zealand, "Murph" is very much a favourite on both sides of the Tasman. Entering his third season with Tasman Motorsport, Murphy is looking to return to the front of the field after a couple of tough seasons.

Last year, he only qualified in the Top 10 once, although finishing second at Bathurst proved to be a season highlight.