An Irvine schoolgirl is revving up for success on the race track.
Murrin Adams, 14, only took up karting last November but already has a string of wins to her name and offers to compete at national level.
Now after igniting a love for life in the fast lane she’s all geared up to reach the very top in motorsport.
The youngster is fuelled by a burning ambition to compete in the W Series – the all-female single-seater racing championship.
And her fledgling performances are already turning petrol-heads in the male dominated karting scene.
“I remember when I came off the track after winning for the first time and taking off my helmet,” said Murrin.
“I could hear guys in the paddock say ‘oh it’s a girl!’ I haven’t come across too many other girls since I started racing but it doesn’t bother me.
“My all-time heroine is the French rally driver Michèle Mouton. She’s the most influential woman in the sport and that’s who I want to be like.
“I just adore racing so much. I would love to be a W Series driver and progress as high as I possibly can.”
Murrin’s passion for karting went from nought to 60 last October when she began to devour anything and everything motorsport on TV and online.
Within a month she’d booked her first karting experience at the Garage in Kilmarnock.
She became a member of Scotkart Indoor Carting in Clydebank at the turn of the year and by late February had clinched her first teamsports win.
“I just love the whole rush of the sport,” said Murrin. “I had three wins and five podium places in 27 events which I thought wasn’t a bad start!”
Murrin continued to learn fast and four months into her journey she came agonisingly close to matching the track record. Her star continued to rise when she was put forward for the British Indoor Karting Championships.
Now Murrin feels ready to progress from indoor to outdoor karting to develop her skill set and realise her full potential. Taking advice from mentor Gary Pickard of Karting Armchair Experts, she plans to switch to the Knockhill circuit and competitive outdoor racing in the near future.
Murrin, who is a student at the Glasgow Gaelic School, is keen to make up for lost time as a relative late-comer to the sport. And not even the occasional crash or hospital trip will stop the driven youngster chasing her dream.
She said: “I don’t feel any fear at all and I’ve had my fair share of crashes. I had to go to Crosshouse to see if I’d broken my ankle once but it was only tissue damage. You just have to forget about it and get back in the kart as quick as you can.”
Supporting Murrin all the way are parents Kim and Martin. They couldn’t be any prouder of their dare-devil daughter – despite knowing the risks involved. And they’re hoping businesses in Irvine and Ayrshire can help keep her career on course by offering sponsorship.
Kim said: “I must admit that I’ll be at the side cheering Murrin on while my stomach is churning at the speed she’s haring round the track at.
“She’s definitely very fast and very keen but it’s just great she’s found something she’s so passionate about.
“From a young age she’d tinker with cars with her dad. She’s always been fascinated like that.
“It would be fantastic if any local businesses could support Murrin in any small way. She only just got her first sponsor, DW Gas Services, very recently. Any money would be spent on practice, safety equipment and entry and travel to competitions – essentials to help her progress.”
Murrin’s racing obsession isn’t restricted to the track. She’s started an engineering course for young women at the University of Glasgow and plans to join a residential course in Stirling.
Any businesses who would like to sponsor Murren are asked to call Kim on 01294 538276. Sponsors would feature on her race suit and be mentioned as her career progresses.
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