Famous name hunting more Aussie success
The Murphy name will continue to chase more silverware in Australian motorsport, with Ronan, son of Greg, racing down under in 2023.
Ronan Murphy, 21, will be competing in the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge for Sonic Motor Racing Service.
The Kiwi will be racing in the Carrera Cup Australia feeder series alongside 16-year-old Marcos Flack and second year Porsche driver Harrison Goodman.
Murphy is following in his father’s footsteps having competed in the Formula Ford and Toyota 86 series in New Zealand, but is now turning his attention to Australia.
His father, Greg Murphy was a Holden hero, winning the 1996, 1999, 2003 and 2004 Bathurst 1000’s. He also produced the iconic “Lap of the Gods” and collected 28 wins from 448 Supercars starts, the latest a Great Race wildcard aged 50.
Rick Kelly and Greg Murphy on the podium after winning the 2003 Bathurst 1000.
The junior Murphy said he hopes to forge his own path in the Australian motorsport scene.
“I’m super pumped to join Team Sonic and join the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge for 2023,” said Ronan Murphy.
“It’s my first time racing in Australia and I couldn’t be more stoked to be doing it and joining a team like Sonic for the season.
“I certainly respect everything Dad has done in his time in Australia. He obviously had a half-decent run at things but I’m here to do my own thing and just do the best I can with what I have and the people around me and the support I’ve got and see how far it takes me.”
Ronan Murphy is now embarking on an Australian racing career just like his father.
Murphy, Flack and Goodman enjoyed a test session at Phillip Island on Friday to come to grips with their new ride.
For Murphy it was his lap ever in Australia and his goal is to chase a top five championship finish.
“They were my first laps at Phillip Island in a Gen II Porsche. I have a little bit of experience previously in New Zealand with Porsche but not this car and certainly not this track, I absolutely loved it,” he said.
“I have just been working on a few things with the team but we’re getting there slowly so I can’t wait for the season to roll around.
“My goal for the season is just to get some really good consistent results and see where we end up in the championship, ideally in the top five somewhere. Hopefully we will be fighting at the front come the season’s end.
“I’m just going to give it 110 percent, take every opportunity and hopefully we will come out of it successful in the end.”
Young gun Marcos Flack is returning to Australia and ready to make an impact in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge.
Flack also has racing in his blood, with his father, Adrian, a Carrera Cup stalwart in the Pro-Am class.
The 16-year-old has made a fast start to his racing career, racing in Formula 4 and Formula 3 cars around the world.
But Flack is yet to drive a tin-top and is looking forward to the next challenge in his fledgling career.
“It’s amazing to come home for a year and race in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge with Sonic. I’m really looking forward to it,” said Flack.
“I’ve never driven a tin top before, so I’m looking forward to being home and racing.
“Like everyone, I want to win the championship, but I’m also respectful that this is my first year in tin tops. The most important thing is that I want to learn as much as possible.”
Harrison Goodman has ambitions on being a regular race winner in the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge.
Goodman is suiting up for a third straight season with Sonic and is high on confidence after finishing seventh in last year’s Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge championship.
This year he wants to be a race-winning contender.
“It’s great to be continuing this year in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge with Sonic,” said Goodman.
“I’m really looking forward to this year. We showed lots of progress last year and I’m looking to continue to grow and understand the car.
“My goal is to be up at the front of the pack. That’s the aim you always want to have.
“After a year of learning, this year is my chance to move forward, so I’m looking to make the steps I need to make to be up the front.”
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