Known around the paddock for his dry sense of humour and passion/admiration for anything with four wheels, this week we highlight the 2017 recipient of the MK Technologies Sportsmanship Award: Kieran Murphy. A sportsman both on and off the track and a person held in the highest esteem by his fellow racers, few take the joy of piloting a race car as he does. Now, if he could just harness a little more luck of the Irish…
How long have you been racing?
2008 I started in Spec. Miata at Summit Point, West Virginia, with Meathead motor racing, run by a great group of Marines.
How long have you raced F1600?
2009 -2017
How many race cars have you owned?
3: An ancient Van Diemen, Ivan Graham’s lovely Crossle 62, and my Current Van Diemen RF91 – I am the slowest part of it.
What is your # and why did you choose it?
My number is 6. Brian Graham got it for me when I was racing under his tent. I think that’s the age I was when my parents gave me a Matchbox model of shark nose Ferrari and I wanted to race cars.
What other classes have you raced?
SCCA ITB and Spec Miata, NASA long distance 4-6 hour races including night time races with deer on the track.
What track raced has been your favourite?
The short track at Calabogie. Turn 1 is wicked.
What track would you love to race around?
Spa-Francorchamps and Laguna Seca
What is your greatest racing memory?
Either the VARAC F1600 race in 2015, or out-qualifying Steve Adams last year. I framed the results!
Favourite driver from any generation?
Tough one. I like multi-talented drivers. Mario Andretti has an amazing life story of immigration, success and talent. I saw Robert Kubica on the street in Budapest last month. You have to admire his perseverance. Jean-Pierre Beltoise raced with one good arm so it can be done.
Do you plan to be on the grid in 2018?
Absolutely, but don’t tell my wife!
Feature photo by Michael Haley
Driver/Car photo by Richard Coburn