Thirteen-year-old Danny Murphy from Clogherhead has won the 2026 Irish Grand Prix at Nutts Corner in County Antrim, marking a major milestone in his young karting career.
Danny, who is backed by Lennon Solar and supported by Celtic Macadam, produced a strong weekend at Nutts Corner, winning both the Irish Grand Prix and Round 7 of the Rotax Max Challenge Ireland in the Mini MAX category.
He was also named Junior Driver of the Meeting.
The event took place over the weekend of 15th and 16th August at Nutts Corner Circuit, with Round 7 forming part of the 2026 All-Ireland Rotax MAX Challenge calendar.
Praise for Clogherhead teenager
Mayor of Drogheda Cllr Declan Power praised Danny’s achievement.
“Danny’s victory is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 13 years of age, he has shown the skill, discipline and determination of a seasoned competitor. His success at the Irish Grand Prix is a moment of immense pride for Clogherhead, Drogheda and the wider Louth community.”
Danny is a former pupil of Callystown National School and is now beginning first year at Ballymakenny College.
He only began karting in 2024, making the scale of his progress particularly notable.
Assisted by the T-Sport Kart Team from Balrath, he delivered a dominant performance at Nutts Corner and continued a strong run of form in the 2026 championship.
Rotax Karting Ireland had already listed Danny as the winner of Round 6 in the Mini MAX class at Athboy in July.
Family and sponsors behind the success
Danny’s parents, Tom and Catherine Murphy, said they were “incredibly proud” of the work he has put into his racing.
“Seeing him win the Irish Grand Prix is a dream come true,” they said.
“We are grateful to everyone who has supported him, especially Lennon Solar, Celtic Macadam and the T-Sport Kart Team.”
Danny also thanked those who have helped him compete.
“I’m delighted with the results from Nutts Corner. Winning the Irish Grand Prix and Round 7 of the Rotax Max Challenge Ireland means a lot to me.”
Mayor Power said Danny’s success also showed what can happen when talent is backed by family, community and local businesses.
“Sport has a remarkable way of inspiring young people, and Danny is now one of those inspiring figures. His journey demonstrates what can be achieved when talent meets hard work, supported by family, community and local businesses who believe in him.”
Portimão in his sights
Danny is now competing for further success in the Rotax MAX Challenge Ireland, with the overall championship still to be decided.
The 2026 series continues with further rounds at Kiltorcan and Nutts Corner.
A championship-winning result could put Danny in contention for a place at the RMC Grand Finals in Portimão, Portugal.
The 2026 Grand Finals will run from 7th to 14th November at the Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve and are expected to bring together 432 drivers from more than 60 nations.
Mayor Power also acknowledged the support that has enabled Danny to compete at this level.
“I want to congratulate Danny, his parents Tom and Catherine, and the T-Sport Kart Team. I also want to acknowledge the commitment of Lennon Solar and Celtic Macadam, whose sponsorship has enabled Danny to compete at this elite level. This is a brilliant example of local partnership powering local success.”
For a young driver who only began karting two years ago, Danny’s Irish Grand Prix title represents another significant step in a rapidly developing motorsport career.
