JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – D.J. Murphy has his sights set on his second Legends victory at Goodyear All American Speedway as he continues to lead the division championship standings heading into Saturday night’s races.
Murphy, 40, from Richlands, North Carolina, picked up his first Legends win at Goodyear All American Speedway last summer. While he is winless on the season thus far, he has been a contender and leads the Legends division standings. Now, he’s hoping to secure another victory and clinch the championship before retiring from racing full-time.
“[Winning the championship] would just solidify all the hard work and dedication that myself, my crew and my wife put in, the hard work, money, and time we invest into the sport,” Murphy said. “Our focus for this year was to win a championship at one of the two local tracks, or both tracks. My time in Legends will be relatively short, another year or so and I’ll be hanging it up and crew chief my kids in Bandoleros or Mini Cup cars. This is my last full season racing Legends.”
While consistency is the key to winning championships, Murphy philosophically believes he should win a race in his championship pursuit – which has fueled his already burning desire to get back to victory lane.
“It would be nice to get back to victory lane,” Murphy stated. “I don’t think anyone should be a champion without a win under their belt. Running consistently is very important but winning is on the bucket list, and the win is coming. We made some drastic changes in our setup from last race to this race that should improve our lap times and get us where we need to be to compete for the top spot and get back in victory lane.”
While Murphy is competitive, he also knows the competition at Goodyear All American Speedway is fierce with hungry young guns pursuing wins and a crop of rising stars eager to prove themselves.
“It’s no easy task,” Murphy explained. “On any given date, any of the local racers that typically show up to the track have the potential to win. They have the same burning desire. They’re tough. They’re not going to sit back and allow someone to drive away. They’re going to push me just like I’d push them. All of our local racers are great people. We love racing against them. We’re friends with all of them, so it’s nice to come out on the weekends and run hard with them.”
Murphy is a retired United States Marine Corps. Staff Sergeant, having previously been stationed at Camp Lejeune as well as at Camp Pendleton in California. He was medically retired after an injury in Afghanistan in 2010. Before joining the military, he grew up in Rochester, New York. After retiring, he returned to New York before moving to the warmer climate in North Carolina.
Now settled in North Carolina, Murphy plans to slow down with his racing after this season so his twin children, Brayden and Olivia, can begin racing in either Bandoleros or Mini Cups.
Murphy will continue his pursuit of a second win and championship in the Too Cool for School 150 on Saturday night at Goodyear All American Speedway. Chargers, Bombers, U-CARs, and Bandoleros will also be in action. Grandstands will open at 6pm and racing will begin at 8pm. Tickets are available at the gate for $15 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12 while kids five (5) and under get in free.
Goodyear All American Speedway is Jacksonville’s Action Attraction featuring racing and other events. For more information about Goodyear All American Speedway, check out the speedway’s website, like/follow “Goodyear All American Speedway” on Facebook, or follow the track on Instagram.
