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| Pic: Ger Leahy |
Owen has rallied in an Avenger and a Sunbeam but is better known for his exploits in a Mitsubishi Evo 9.
John Leahy, who owns the Iconic ex Russell Brookes Andrews Heat For Hire Sunbeam Lotus, asked Owen if he would like to drive the car on a few events.
Owen said he did not have to ask twice as his dad had all the old videos of Russell Brookes in the Sunbeam. "John Leahy made me the offer and my first spin was in Goodwood at the Festival of Speed. The car felt good and seemed to handle well but that was only a spin; now we must see how this car goes against the historic regulars which is a very competitive type of rallying in the UK."
Joining Owen is his regular co driver James O’ Brien, one of Ireland's most experienced co-drivers. James says to be rallying against rally legends of the past like Jimmy McRae 'is just great'.
Owen will have his regular sponsor with him on the Rally so the Andrews Heat For Hire Car will run on his preferred brand of tyre Hankook.
Owen Murphy's list of results are as follows.
1999 Irish Junior Rookie Karting Champion.
Winner of the Ford Rally Academy UK 2003.
4th in the Peugeot 206 cup 2005.
1st ever winner of the first round of the Fiesta sporting Trophy 2006 Malcolm Wilson Rally.
Irish GpN National Forest Rally Champion 2006.
Winner of the Billy Coleman Award young driver 2006.
Irish Forest Rally Champion in 2011 in the Hankook Mitsubishi Evo 9.
2012 Winner of the Cork Forest and Moonraker Forest Rally. (Irish Championship)
Twice winner of the Willie Loughman Forest Rally including 2013. (Irish Championship)
On Tar 3 times winner GpN on the Cork 20 Rally.
Second overall in the Gp N car on the West Cork Rally.
