Murphy changes focus, confirms move to US
UP and coming New Zealand singleseater driver Ronan Murphy will head to the United States later this year to take part in the US Formula 4 Championship — his first foray into international competition.
Murphy (18), the son of the four time Bathurst 1000 winner Greg, will complete his current campaign in the
New Zealand F1600 championship before heading to the US to compete with the successful Kiwi Motorsport team.
Kiwi Motorsport is headed by New Zealanders Garry Orton and Teena Larsen and has an impressive track record in the FIA sanctioned category. In 2019, it had three finishers in the top five of the championship, including winner Joshua Carr, of Australia.
Murphy has already tested the team’s F4 car at the Cresson circuit in Texas and Buttonwillow Raceway. He is keen to step up to a wings and slicks formula car after seasons in F1600 and New Zealand’s starter Formula First category.
‘‘I think it’s the obvious next step for me and I enjoyed the car when I tested it,’’ he said. ‘‘I immediately felt at home with the car and it seems to suit my style very well.
‘‘It’s an exciting new stage in my career and one which will hopefully be a stepping stone to the higher formula series around the world.’’
Murphy has no immediate plans to move to Supercars to try to match his father’s achievements and wants to focus on single seaters.
‘‘That’s my thing for sure, but dad started out in single seaters, too. Open wheeler racing has been the classic route for so many successful Kiwi motorracing drivers and to try to follow in the footsteps of someone like Scott Dixon would be incredible.’’ Murphy’s championship trail starts at the Michelin Raceway, Road Atlanta on April 9 before moving to the Circuit of the Americas on June 5. On July 17, the championship visits Virginia International Raceway for round three. Round four takes place just two weeks later at the Barber Motorsports Park. Round five is at Sebring on September 25 and the championship finale will be at the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas from October 23.