Catchfence

Watkins Glen, NY – In only his second ever NASCAR Nationwide Series start, Sean Murphy posted a 23rd place finish after starting at the rear of the field for Saturday’s Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen (NY) International Raceway. Murphy and the #81 Randy MacDonald owned team had limited practice time due to some complications with the car. Murphy qualified the #81 Dodge 41st after having a transmission failure during the five minute qualifying run. Coming from the back of the pack Murphy drove a smart race gaining 18 positions, the most of any driver in the race.

Murphy entered the event with previous road racing experience in formula cars and sports cars, but it was his first ever time at Watkins Glen and he learned fast that the NASCAR Nationwide Series car drives vastly different from sports cars.

“I had to change a lot of my driving strategy with these cars. The braking points are much sooner and the entire driving style is different than the sports cars I’ve driven,” expressed Murphy. “With limited practice time I was still learning the track in the race. I was very fortunate to get a little advice from Jimmie Johnson the night before the race. He took some time to go over the track with me and I can’t think of anyone better to get some advice from. He didn’t know me and didn’t have to do that, which was really cool. Several times on the track I implemented things he told me and it definitely helped.”

Like any driver, Sean Murphy arrived at the track seeking a higher finish. But also realized it being his second Nationwide race and first ever time at Watkins Glen that a 23rd place finish on the lead lap was a solid effort.

“When I come to a track my expectations are always set high. But I am happy with the finish and have to remember the teams we are up against,” said Murphy. “I’m fortunate to be racing at this level. To finish 23rd on the lead lap with a clean race car for my second Nationwide race and first time at Watkins Glen…I’ll take it.”

The next race for Sean Murphy is not yet finalized. But he hopes to keep racing at the NASCAR Nationwide Series level and expects to be in at least a few more races this year.

“Like many others sponsorship money is the biggest obstacle,” said Murphy. “I have to thank Randy MacDonald for these two races and look forward to the opportunity to race more.”

- Racing Solution, LLC Press Release