1:64 S1 Trackstars Murphy Last Bathurst

One of the most anticipated wildcard entries in the race's history, and a moment that gave the entire Australian motorsport community goosebumps.

The Murphy/Stanaway wildcard was originally planned for 2021, backed by Boost Mobile founder Peter Adderton and run by Erebus Motorsport — but the project was killed by New Zealand's COVID-19 border controls, which prevented the two Kiwis from guaranteeing they could return home after the race. It was revived for 2022, with three test days planned at Winton and Sandown to get both drivers up to speed.

Murphy returned in his legendary #51 Boost Mobile Holden ZB Commodore, prepared by Erebus Motorsport — a number that had become synonymous with his career. Murphy recently had turned 50, returning to Bathurst eight years after his last start there in 2014. 

Murphy himself was nervous he'd be too slow — so the relief in his voice when he set a 2:05.871s in co-driver practice, a full second faster than his famous Lap of the Gods time from 2003, was obvious. Stanaway qualified fifth — which became fourth after a van Gisbergen penalty — a stunning result for the wildcard. 

Murphy started the race but was turned around by Jake Kostecki during the event. Come race day, Murphy and Stanaway crossed the finish line in 11th position. 

"I don't think we've got anything to be upset about in any way, shape or form," Murphy said. "I think it's a great result. We've got a lot of things to be proud of." For Murphy, 23 Bathurst starts and four wins is set to remain his final stat sheet. 

The whole journey was captured in a Boost Mobile documentary titled Wildcard: One Last Shot — a fitting tribute to one of the Mountain's greatest ever sons.