Murphy junior to make Australian racing debut

Ronan Murphy, son of Supercars legend Greg, will make his Australian racing debut in 2023.

The 21-year-old has signed with Sonic Motor Racing Services for the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge.

The series is part of the ladder to the Carrera Cup Championship, a leading support category of Supercars.

Murphy junior previously raced in Formula Ford and Toyota 86 in his native New Zealand.

He also raced a Porsche in last year's South Island Endurance Series, and was a Team Porsche New Zealand shootout finalist.

Murphy joins Marcos Flack and Harrison Goodman in Sonic’s 2023 line-up.

“I’m super pumped to join Team Sonic and join the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge for 2023,” he said.

“It’s my first time racing in Australia and I couldn’t be more stoked doing it and joining a team like Sonic.

Pic: Ronan Murphy

“A huge thank you to Michael and Maria Ritter for the opportunity and all my supporters who have made this happen.”

Murphy tested with the team at Phillip Island on Friday.

The 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge season will be held over six rounds.

The season commences at Phillip Island on March 3-5, and will support the Tasmania (May 19-21) and Sydney (July 28-30) rounds.

“My goal for the season is just to get some really good consistent results,” Murphy added.

“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.”

Greg last raced at Mount Panorama last October, with his children supporting his comeback race.

Pic: Ronan Murphy

Murphy senior raced to 11th with Richie Stanaway, who will race with Shane van Gisbergen this season.

The 50-year-old won the Great Race in 1996, 1999, 2003 and 2004.

Son Ronan said he was determined to carve his own path racing in Australia.

“I certainly respect everything Dad has done in his time in Australia,” Ronan said.

“I’m here to do my own thing and just do the best I can with what I have and the people around me.

“Just give it 110 per cent, take every opportunity and hopefully we will come out of it successful in the end."

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will commence in Newcastle on March 10-12.

Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.