V8 Supercar changes on way

Greg Murphy says he is focusing on supercars for the future. Photo / Supplied

Holden V8 Supercar racer Greg Murphy may be a long-time ambassador for the Holden brand, but expects other manufacturers to enter what has been a two-brand closed shop to keep the series alive.

While racing may be fun for punters, it's serious, money-making stuff for supercar teams. It's a business that's changed substantially since the young Murphy crossed the ditch in 1994, and will change again to accommodate the recession.

Back in 1997 the series restructured. Sports Entertainment took 25 per cent ownership, with 75 per cent owned by the teams - each of which was given a franchise.

Today there are 29 cars, and 29 franchises. Each is worth around $1.5 million and takes a cut in supercar V8 racing profits, worth around $700,000 this year alone.

Murphy says owning a team in 1997 proved a pretty good investment, "and a pretty good windfall for the owners around at the time".

Responsibilities come with that windfall. Teams must contest every race or face a hefty fine - even when the series takes them overseas.

"Going to Bahrain was an unusual direction for our sport," Murphy says. It wasn't easy to organise, with two 747s packed to the rafters with 32, 1500kg supercars and all the associated equipment. But it was worth the effort to gain worldwide recognition. "We began to be seen as a tool for some of these countries to show off what they had," he says. "Bahrain's king is a huge motor sport fan, and uses motor sport to promote the country."

Murphy says the sport could not have flourished without huge investment from Ford and Holden, and the support of some passionate fans - passionate to the point that he's had death threats after some on-track clashes.

Will it always be a Ford-Holden battle?

"Obviously times are changing," Murphy says. "Two years ago there was no way any other manufacturer could walk in and get involved and use some of that incredible marketing success." But costs have risen, the sponsorship dollar is harder to find, and the format can no longer afford to be fussy.

"We will see changes; the car architecture will change and the love affair with Falcon and Commodore. It will be a front engine V8, rear drive, but we could see other manufacturers involved."

Murphy cites Toyota custom-building a V8 for Nascar when that engine isn't available in a production car, and says he wouldn't be surprised if new manufacturers arrive - racing to supercar rules.

That means a 5.0-litre pushrod V8 with an alloy head and iron block. "One thing is for sure, the noise has to remain the same." So you're going to get 50-year-old hoons in a Camry? "You never know."

What about Murphy himself - any changes there? "Once you taste success it is very difficult not to have it on a regular basis," the supercar ace says. "My motivation is to get back to what I see as the good times. When it's not going the way you want it to it's not a lot of fun. I'm focused on supercars for the future - I've cemented myself firmly here, and there's still a lot of races to win."