Formula Ford outfit Evans Motorsport is poised to take over Greg Murphy Racing as it expands into the Dunlop Series next season.
Evans Motorsport has today confirmed the purchase of two Ford Falcons FGs from Ford Performance Racing, which it will run in the 2013 Dunlop Series with technical support from the factory outfit.
Speedcafe.com also understands that Evans Motorsport owner Josh Evans is currently in final negotiations with GMR to take over the squad that won the 2010 title.
The unique deal is likely to see Evans run two ex-Triple Eight Holden Commodore VEs recently purchased from TeamVodafone by Geoff Emery and Tony Bates alongside his Falcons.
Bates, however, is also said to be in negotiations with his current Carrera Cup outfit, McElrea Racing, over the possibility of moving across to the Dunlop Series together.
While unwilling to name GMR specifically, Evans told Speedcafe.com that he hopes to sort his complete 2013 team structure in the coming weeks.
“We have talked to a variety of people trying to find the best option for us in terms of infrastructure and a team to take over, and we’ve narrowed it down to one party that we’re currently in final negotiations with,” he said.
“If all goes smoothly we should have the takeover finalised within the next couple of weeks.”
GMR managing director Kevin Murphy declined to comment on any specific discussions currently taking place when contacted by Speedcafe.com, conceding only that his team is “always in the market to discuss or look at opportunities”.
Evans will continue to run at least three Formula Fords alongside his Dunlop Series program, and says that his deal with FPR provides a solid foundation for the expansion.
“The deal with FPR has really given us the confidence to make this next step,” he said.
“They are obviously one of the two best teams in the category, and the help that they’re providing us will put us in good stead for our first year running V8 Supercars.
“Already there’s a lot of interest from potential drivers, but it’s just about finding the right fit,” he added.
“We’d definitely like to be running towards the front. It’s a lot of work to put in if you’re not going to do it competitively.”
