Murray magic earns him title
By Simon Walsh
NIALL Murray became the first winner of the SEAT Supercup Ireland Championship after he chalked up another two tremendous race wins in the final round of the inaugural series in Kirkistown on Sunday.
The Firhouse man had jumped to the top of the leaderboard after having carded two wins in the penultimate meet in Mondello last month and he was determined to see it home at the weekend.
He laid down marker early on by securing pole position from qualifying and he refused to relinquish it, making a fast break into the opening corner.
Even some support class traffic could not unhinge the Dubliner who took the race by more than seven seconds with his fastest lap below the circuit’s Saloon Car record.
The reverse grid rule meant Murray had to start the second race from the back of the field, but was quickly up to fourth place.
He then made it past Michael Cullen and John Farrelly to move up to second position and in sight of championship rival Rod McGovern.
Murray attempted a number of moves out of the hairpin in an effort to take the lead, but McGovern had it covered to remain in front.
He eventually managed to position himself for a better drive out of the final Hairpin and in a drag race past the start-finish line, through Debtors and down to Colonial, placed his CL Brakes supported Leon on the right hand side of the circuit, allowing him to move into the lead coming out of Colonial One.
“It’s been a fantastic weekend to end a brilliant season of racing” said a delighted Murray.
“We just barely missed the first round with the car having some issues but since then, over the four weekends I’ve had three poles, six fastest laps and four wins.
“A massive thanks to my team Murray Motorsport who did a fantastic job as the car felt fantastic at each round” he added.