Sonic ready for Symmons as Ronan Murphy reveals new Porsche backers

Ronan Murphy has secured a swag of new sponsors for the remaining rounds of the 2023 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, starting at Symmons Plains Raceway this weekend.

Murphy’s #77 Porsche will feature major support from Muscle Car Warehouse for the next two rounds, as well as Cura Finance who is new for Symmons Plains. Murphy’s new partners join long-time backers Castrol and Dayle ITM and Bars n’ Lights, Racelab and Giltrap Group and Pacific Fuel Solutions.

Ronan, the son of Bathurst legend Greg, will make his racing debut at Symmons Plains this weekend, alongside his two Sonic Motor Racing Services team-mates Harrison Goodman and Marcos Flack, who will also be making their first racing appearances at the tight Tasmanian venue.

Symmons Plains marks the second round of the Porsche one-make development class, with 23 cars set to hit the 2.4km circuit.

In the opening round at Phillip Island, the Sonic trio enjoyed varying degrees of success, but all will have an opportunity to fight for the title.

Goodman is currently third in the title chase, with Murphy fourth and Flack ninth, however Flack’s position is not representative of his speed, having taken pole position at Phillip Island only to endure an off-track moment in the first race, forcing him to come back through the field.

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge will be on track on Friday for two practice sessions and qualifying, followed by two races on Saturday and the final race on Sunday.

It will be a busy weekend for the Sonic team too, with the Victorian team also fielding three cars in the Australian Formula Ford Series. Current title leader Matt Hillyer, Connor Somers and Jake Santalucia will be in action in front of the Supercars teams and fans as the drivers continue their learnings in the junior open wheeler category.

All of Saturday and Sunday’s racing can be seen live on Foxtel and Kayo for Australian viewers.

Ronan Murphy
Muscle Car Warehouse Sonic Porsche

“We had a relatively strong first round, and by the last race showed what we could do once we got things right and into a rhythm,” said Murphy.

“It’s great to welcome some new partners onto our car. I’m grateful for the support that we had to get started, and it’s great to have Muscle Car Warehouse on the car for the next two rounds.

“I was pleased with the start at Phillip Island, but now the aim is to stay out of trouble, continue to learn and work our way forward.

“All of the tracks that I’m going to this year are brand-new to me. I’ve never raced on any of them, so Symmons Plains is no different to that.

“I’ve been talking to dad for a bit of advice and his main point was that there’s a lot more to Symmons Plains than meets the eye. There’s only three brake zones, but all three are critical. The times will be close, so it’s going to be the little things that count.”

Harrison Goodman
Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic Porsche

“I’m looking forward to the weekend. I’m going into Symmons in a good position in the championship, so I’m keen to build on what we have started,” said Goodman.

“It’s a new track for all us Sonic drivers, so it should be interesting. We want to maximise as much as we can and move up in the standings.

“I’ve never been to Symmons Plains before. There’s only three main corners, but they all have important impacts on your lap time. Qualifying will be interesting with 25 cars on the track. It’s a short track, so getting enough space to do your time will be the key.”

Marcos Flack
Rosche Sonic Porsche

“Symmons Plains will be interesting. It’s my first time racing there,” said Flack.

“The racing is going to be very interesting with as many as 23 cars around the tight track.

“We know that the pace is there, but we need to work on the racing and collecting points. I think we should be in a good position.

“Having three Sonic cars in the series does nothing but helps all of us. As a team, we should be able to collect lots of data, move forward and give us the upper edge.”