Ronan Murphy will return for a second season of the New Zealand Toyota 86 championship this year.
Murphy spent most of his junior career racing in single-seaters, namely Formula First and Formula Ford.
In 2020 he then went to the United States to race in the US Formula 4 championship.
Over the summer, he returned to New Zealand and competed in both the Toyota 86 endurance season and the sprint series.
Podiums at Manfeild and Taupo rounded out a solid first sprint season, and he finished fifth in the standings.
Now armed with a year’s experience, Murphy feels he can challenge for this season’s title.
“I am really looking forward to having another crack at one of, if not the best, field of competitors in NZ right now,” he said.
“Last season was second to none competition-wise, and this season is shaping up to be even better with a big field and some very strong drivers.
“I always felt that outright speed was never a problem, but the odd mistake and a few other little things meant we didn’t quite achieve what we wanted to.
“The goal for the season is consistency and minimising mistakes and in turn hopefully finish higher up in the championship this season.”
Murphy will also continue racing in the Dayle ITM colours.
“Continued partnerships can only get stronger, so I am looking forward to once again driving the Dayle ITM Racing #91 with the awesome team from Action Motorsport.
“We will be looking to build on where we left off at Taupo last season and that means being at the sharp end of the field.”
So far, Murphy is the third driver confirmed for the upcoming season.
Rowan Shepherd will defend his title, and experienced teenager Brock Gilchrist will race over the summer.
Upwards of 22 cars are expected to turn up for each of the six rounds this year.
A revamped prize package that includes a V8 Supercar test and a drive in the 2022 Bathurst 1000 in a Toyota 86 will appeal to a range of Kiwi drivers.
The first event of the 2021/22 season will be at Hampton Downs on November 12-14.