As the main event draws closer at Mount Panorama, one of New Zealand's greats is hoping another Kiwi will soon be joining him in conquering Bathurst.
Greg Murphy is the last main Kiwi driver to conquer the mountain, back in 2004, but says there’s talent in the championship that could end that.
“It's overdue. It really is overdue considering the level of driver and where they've been as far as race teams,” he said.
“We’ve got fast Kiwis in lots of cars and this race we’ve seen so many things play out in the past where just being there is enough to be in the right place in the right time.”
One of the obvious contenders is championship leader Shane van Gisbergen with New Zealand co-driver Earl Bamber - even if he doesn't call himself a favourite.
“I never think like that,” van Gusbergen said.
“But I know I’ve got a good co-driver, got a great team behind me - they've won the race many times - so certainly I do have a good shot.”
And for 161 laps, Bamber says plenty rests on having the right focus.
“I think you've got to conquer the mountain before you think about conquering the competition.”
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