Instigating a Holden New Zealand-backed national driver training programme has put Greg Murphy in the winner’s seat with Kiwi motoring commentators.
The circuit-racing champion has become the latest recipient of the New Zealand Motoring Writers Guild’s (NZMWG) Neil Nelson Award, which is presented to the person judged to have made a significant contribution to the motoring industry.
This year the spotlight falls on Holden Street Smart, a road safety initiative designed with young drivers in mind with the goal being to reduce accidents and fatalities among this at-risk group.
Operational since February this year, this national programme has already steered hundreds of youngsters towards safer driving practices.
The initiative has a high-profile brand ambassador in Murphy, a four-time Bathurst winner.
The Hawke’s Bay racer who made a career out of driving V8 supercars after winning the New Zealand Grand Prix and now mainly works as a commentator — though last year he tried rallying at national level — is a long-time advocate for road safety.
A road crash at the age of 19 was a huge wake-up call for Murphy, then in the first year of his circuit motor-racing career.
It triggered a realisation that even though his own skills had been sharpened by competition experience in karts and Formula Ford single-seater, he was still deficient in the basic abilities that would have avoided the smash, in which a friend was injured.
Auckland-based NZMWG president Richard Edwards said the Neil Nelson Award is not just about achievement.
‘‘It’s about going that extra mile to help other people. To be nominated it’s not enough to just do your job or your calling — it requires passion and commitment above and beyond. Holden Street Smart, in which young drivers take part in a day-long course covering 10 practical exercises in their own cars, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, represents the ultimate expression of his views.’’
Murphy said he was ‘‘honoured, and pleasantly surprised’’ to have Holden Street Smart recognised by the NZMWG.
‘‘The story has been received and people are aware of what we are trying to achieve,’’ he said.
Photo: Supplied
