The planned Repco Bathurst 1000 Wildcard for Kiwi pair Greg Murphy and Richie Stanaway has been withdrawn for this year.
Travel restrictions were unable to be overcome for the pair as although Murphy and Stanaway could enter New South Wales for the Repco Bathurst 1000, on return to New Zealand the duo would need to acquire a Managed Isolation and Quarantine spot, but this was unable to occur.
“I want to thank everyone who has been involved behind the scenes for several months now in our attempt to be able to not just bring Greg and Richie over to Australia, but ensure they can then safely return home,” said Boost Mobile boss Peter Adderton.
“We are a people-driven company and we ultimately could not ask Greg and Richie to come over here in good conscience knowing we had no clear timeline for their return to New Zealand.
“We did everything within our means to make this happen and I am so bitterly disappointed that it is not to be.
“I also want to thank the many fans who have reached out both publicly and privately not just to express their support but also to see how they could help.
“It shows just how special this would have been, which is why we will do everything possible to make this happen in 2022 instead.”
To be fielded by Erebus Motorsport, the entry was spawned from a social media campaign by Adderton.
Despite the setback, Erebus Motorsport CEO Barry Ryan explained the groundwork has been laid for the Wildcard to contest the race next year.
“I want to thank everyone that has stayed committed to this project right until the very end,” said Ryan.
“It is not over though, we will call it postponed as we look forward to options in 2022.
“Everyone has put in such a tremendous effort and we are extremely disappointed that with all the work and preparation from both Boost Mobile and our team that we haven’t been able to see this come to fruition.
“Peter Adderton’s enthusiasm is second to none and he and everyone at Boost Mobile has done absolutely everything in his power to try and bring this to life for the fans. I want to thank him for his passion and vision.
“Also a thank you to our team who have built a superb car and done everything to ensure this car is ready come race day.
“We should all be proud of our efforts to get this so close to happening and I look forward to seeing us pull it off in 2022.
“I hope for a less COVID-affected season next year and seeing all fans, both from Australia and New Zealand, able to come and support us at Bathurst.”