Racing on a traditional race track and racing on dirt are two very different things. Both require precision and commitment, true, but the latter requires a new dimension of feel from the driver's fingertips and footwork.
And this is particularly true in the world of rallying, as trees, spectators, and all sorts of other colourful obstacles all whiz past at incredible speeds.
Given the distinction, it's rare to see circuit racers transition to rallying and be successful. Among the few to do so in New Zealand would be four-time Bathurst 1000 champ Greg Murphy. He joined the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship last season, alongside Josh Marston in the Penny Holmes Holden Barina RallySport team.
And as his experience and confidence grew, so too did his consistency. But sadly, his overseas commitments as part of the Supercars Championship broadcast team and with SkySpeed meant that 2018's season was to be his last — although his Barina AP4 rally car did get to make one last high profile appearance.
Click here to read Murphy's thoughts on Supercars retirement, television, and more
The showing was part of the build-up work around the recent ITM Auckland SuperSprint. 'Murph' took two Holden drivers — former series winner Garth Tander and 2017 Bathurst 1000 winner David Reynolds — to the outfield of Hampton Downs Motorsport Park for a tutorial and timed fang in the hotted-up Barina.
Both Aussies are good sports, clearly relishing the opportunity to break every rule in their motorsport vocabulary with the little Holden. And in the end, there's one clear victor. Check out the video above to find out who ...