Murphy shows he's still man to beat

What 18 months ago was just an idea came to fruition over the weekend when the new V8 SuperTourers category hit the Hampton Downs racetrack in anger for the first time.

The schism in New Zealand V8 racing has polarised factions, but at least the many fans who turned up were treated to a great weekend's racing.

Australian V8 Supercar driver Greg Murphy showed why he's still respected as driver by winning the inaugural V8 SuperTourer round from Kayne Scott and Jonny Reid, taking the first two races.

Murphy arrived home for his first domestic season in 15 years and had a point to prove to the local drivers.

"I couldn't avoid the double-edge sword that I had to win or end up looking like an idiot," said Murphy after winning race one.

"I have though, been blown away by how fast everybody is and that's testament to how good the car is. It's going to create great racing and great competitiveness all through the field."

The first racing incident yesterday involved Murphy and race leader Kayne Scott resulting in a drive-through penalty for Aussie-based Murphy.

"It all sort of went pear-shaped for me when Kayne and I came together. I hit him from behind so [it was] my fault and the drive-through penalty put a bit of a damper on things really," said Murphy.

"And then after the safety car came out it all went crazy. I made a few positions up, then ran wide then passed a few again."

At the front of the field Reid had a commanding lead but that all changed with a safety car.

The restart was a disaster, said Murphy. "The rules need looking at. It caused massive problems for Jonny Reid." When the chequered flag finally came out, Ant Pedersen crossed the line ahead of John McIntyre and Scott McLaughlin with Murphy coming home in eighth.APNZ