12/22/2014
Camden Murphy
Murphy Impressive In NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Debut
Camden Murphy, of Itasca Illinois, brought the #08 Ronald McDonald House Charities Chevrolet Silverado home in 21st position during the running of the Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway (VA) on Saturday October 25th. Murphy completed all 200 laps in what will go down as one of the most exciting races of the 2014 NCWTS season.
The primary motor in Murphy’s SS Greenlight Racing truck let loose during the first round of practice. The 08 team was able to get the backup power plant finished in time to allow Camden to complete a handful of laps in the final fifteen minutes of second round practice. Murphy wasn’t fazed by the setback and simply focused on figuring out the tricky paper clip style race track as quickly as he could. Murphy’s efforts resulted in NASCAR posting him as the “third highest” finisher among all drivers for consistent laps turned over the two practice sessions. Not a bad way to bounce back from adversity.
With so few laps under their belt, the SS Greenlight team decided to run the truck towards the tight side to ensure Camden would be comfortable in qualifying. After the run Camden felt he could have handled the truck being more towards the loose side. Camden added "If we had it loosened up, we definitely could have picked up a couple tenths and possibly a better starting spot". Camden’s starting spot in the field turned out to be a good omen as the carnage (that makes the NASCAR truck series so exciting to the fans) broke out early and often.
The game plan was to bring the truck home in one piece and get the best available finish possible. Reaching their goals would NOT be easy as mayhem appeared to break out at every corner. At one point Camden was part of an almost impossible feat as he and three other trucks went four wide down the cramped ½ mile Martinsville Speedway backstretch. Much to the delight of the crowd and the media as that segment of the race has gained national attention. Camden avoided all the wrecks thanks to the combination of the team’s spotter and Camden’s keen driving skills.
As the laps wound down, Murphy’s lap times were getting noticeably faster. The first time NCWTS driver was getting comfortable and starting to gain positions on the field. Running as high as 19th Murphy was keeping his mind set on not beating up the brakes.
While the checkered flag flew over eventual race winner #34 Bubba Wallace, Murphy was not far
behind on the lead lap. After the race Camden accessed his run; "I can be hard on myself because I want to do the best I possibly can, but with finishing clean and on the lead lap in my debut, I guess you can't ask for much better". While that may be true, the question that needs to be answered is when can we plan to see this charismatic young talent back behind the wheel in NASCAR? Hopefully soon!
