2012 Ginetta Junior Championship front runner Niall Murray looks set for a new challenge in 2013 as he moves to the re-energised Irish Formula Ford Championship.
The Ginetta Junior star has enjoyed two seasons racing on the UK’s top National stage with huge success along the way. Returning to Family-run team Murray Motorsport, Niall is hoping that Formula Ford will provide him with a new platform to reach a professional level in motorsport. Speaking about the announcement, Niall said, “I’m so excited to announce I’ll be racing in the Irish Formula Ford 1600 Championship. It will be very competitive with current and past Irish Young Racing drivers of the Year competing and also current and past winners of the Formula Ford festival. This will be a completely new experience for me, we’ve bought a 99 Van Dieman which is due to arrive soon and hopefully we’ll get in some testing before the first round. I’ve never driven a single seater before, but I’m confident that I’ll be able to adapt to the new tracks straight away and be right on the pace quickly. I’m going to be run by my family team Murray Motorsport, which I’m very happy about as I know they are the best team I could possibly have!”
Just last week Ginetta rewarded the young Irish star for his efforts in the championship by inviting him to test their Ginetta supported Toyota Avensis NGTC BTCC car in Silverstone run by Speedworks Motorsport. In the 20 minute session, Murray impressed the Speedworks bosses at just how quickly he adjusted himself to the unique characteristics of the car apart from the notable differences to what he had been used to. Niall added: “I really really enjoyed it! But 20 minutes just isn’t long enough! It was great to compare the data with Adam Morgan and see that I was right on his pace through the corners although the car was restricted in a straight line for us ‘kids’ driving it! Massive thanks to Ginetta and Speedworks Racing for allowing me to drive the 300+ BHP beast around the track, it was a great experience.”
Niall starts his 2013 Irish Formula Ford Campaign in Kirkistown on Saturday 6th April. You can follow his progress throughout the season on http://www.niallmurray.com and by following him on twitter: @niallmurray5