Murray “disappointed” by disqualification

Cooper Murray has spoken out after his disqualification from Sunday’s Super2 race at Wanneroo, being “disappointed” by the call, but “glad” Cameron McLeod is okay after the rollover.

Murray and McLeod were intently fighting for third after the red flag restart in the second Dunlop Series race of the weekend.

After Aaron Cameron slipped down the inside of McLeod at Kolb Corner, the Eggleston Motorsport driver tried to line up a move on exit and up the straight.

McLeod was covering with Murray right under his wing and contact just prior to the rise down the main straight saw the #92 Coke Commodore spear off and into a barrel roll.

Stewards commenced a hearing on Sunday night, but it was adjourned until Wednesday when Murray’s disqualification was announced.

The initial TV replay of the clash. Image: Fox Sports

Initially the commentators believed according to the TV replays there was overlap between the two cars, but later released onboard shots from Murray suggested there wasn’t and the #88 driver received a reckless driving charge and accepted it.

Murray has taken to social media to respond to the incident, expressing his “disappointment” in the decision and that “both drivers played a part in the incident.”

“Following on from the incident in Race 2 on the weekend in Perth I wanted to clarify my position following the penalty I have been handed by the stewards,” Murray wrote.

“I am disappointed by the stewards decision post race, in my opinion there were contributing factors to the incident that weren’t illustrated from the onboard.

New judicial footage from Cooper Murray’s onboard camera. Image: Supercars

“I believe both drivers played a part in the incident. I pride myself on being one of the hardest but fair racers in the field and ultimately we were two young blokes having a crack.

“As disappointed as I am with the outcome I have accepted the penalty from the stewards and will press on.

“I am fully focused on my upcoming Supercheap Auto wildcard at Darwin.”

McLeod believed it was the right call to disqualify Murray.

“It is pretty fair,” he told AUTO ACTION.

“The only reason why it looked like there was overlap is because he was already under my rear bar.

New judicial footage from Cooper Murray’s onboard camera. Image: Supercars

“I knew he was there which is why I blocked, but I also knew there was no overlap so I could keep  moving over.

“I got the feeling I was pushed forward and then a spin out rather than a straight hit in the side, so I knew he just hit me in the rear bar and had me off.

“I knew it as soon as it happened and it is just disappointing.”

The stewards report stated “further contact” by Murray caused the #92 to leave the track.

“The on-board judicial camera vision from Car 88 is clear and conclusive with the first contact being into the middle of Car 92 [McLeod] rear bumper by the front left of Car 88. Further contact was made by the front left of Car 88 to the right-hand rear corner of Car 92 causing it to leave the track.”

Murray is now “fully focused” on his Supercars debut which arrives at next month’s Darwin Triple Crown.

Preparations will hit top gear next week as Murray tests the #888 Supercheap Auto wildcard at Queensland Raceway next week.

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