If you’re only going to have a short stay, leave your mark then go out with a bang! So it was with Duncan Murdoch last year as he arrived to compete in the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park rounds of the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship.
After debuting at the VARAC Vintage Grand Prix in June, he then put it on pole for the BARC Canadian Trophy Races in July! A podium rightly followed, before a foul engine ended his campaign.
Duncan reports things are back on track for 2018 though, so we kick off the New Year profiling the veteran driver from Saint-Lambert, Quebec:
How long have you been racing?
I have been racing for about 20 years total, with a 15 year break in the middle. Mostly partial seasons, due to budget, work and travel. I was always a car enthusiast, but had never been to a road race. While at school in Ontario, I went to see the 1976 Canadian GP at Mosport. The first thing I saw was the Ferret F1600 of John Scratch going through Turn 1. I was hooked. I did the Jim Russell School at Tremblant the next year.
How long have you raced F1600?
All of my racing has been in F1600, with the exception of a F2000 test day with Brian Graham Racing.
How many race cars have you owned?
4 total: a Lotus 69, Crossle 50F and 2 Van Diemens, an RF86 and my current RF98/01.
What is your # and why did you choose it?
22. I thought it looked good… and only wanted to make 1 stencil for the numbers.
What other classes have you raced?
None. F1600 is ideal for me as I do all the preparation myself with the help of friends. The cars are very easy to work on. For performance vs. cost, F1600 is one of the best classes and there is lots of close competition. I’d love to try a Sports Racer or quick Sedan someday though.
What track raced has been your favourite?
Le Circuit Mont Tremblant and CTMP Mosport… I can’t choose between the two! I believe both are among the most challenging in the world… real drivers’ tracks with fast corners, elevation changes and beautiful locations. We are very fortunate to have these great tracks in Eastern Canada.
What track would you love to race around?
Spa Francorchamps… another fast, challenging circuit in a picturesque location.
What is your greatest racing memory?
F1600 win at the Canadian GP in 1984. I was quite proud of my pole at CTMP this year too!
Favourite driver from any generation?
Senna… the fastest at any track, in any conditions.
Do you plan to be on the grid in 2018?
Definitely!
