TWO-TIME Super2 race winner Cooper Murray has spoken out in the wake of his Perth disqualification.
The 22-year-old was charged with reckless driving for his part in the Race 2 incident which culminated in Cameron McLeod’s spectacular rollover crash.
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Murray and his Eggleston Motorsport team initially requested an adjournment to their stewards hearing to prepare a defence, but on Wednesday morning decided to accept the charge and associated punishment of disqualification.
That allows him to head into his main game debut next month in a Triple Eight wildcard without the distraction of a lingering case hanging over his head.
It does however mean he loses his Perth Super2 podium, with Kai Allen now classified second for the round behind Zach Bates, and Aaron Cameron promoted to third.
Supercars driving standards advisor Craig Baird revealed via the Race Control podcast that his view of the incident had shifted from McLeod being at fault to Murray upon accessing onboard footage.
Murray however remains adamant that there was more to the matter.
“Following on from the incident in Race 2 on the weekend in Perth I wanted to clarify my position following the penalty I have been handed by the stewards,” he said.
“First and foremost my best wishes to Cam after that nasty crash, I am glad he is ok.
“I am disappointed by the stewards decision post-race, in my opinion there were contributing factors to the incident that weren’t illustrated from the onboard cameras.
“I believe both drivers played a part in the incident. I pride myself on being one of the hardest but fair racers in the field and ultimately we were two young blokes having a crack.
“As disappointed as I am with the outcome I have accepted the penalty from the stewards and will press on.
“I am fully focused on my upcoming Supercheap Auto wildcard at Darwin with Triple Eight Race Engineering.”
Murray will head to Queensland Raceway to test the #888 Camaro he’ll race at Hidden Valley.
