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Photo: Tom Morris Racing Photography
Lancaster, NY: (June 11, 2025): Austin Beers of Northampton, PA, will have his car owner, Mike “Murph” Murphy, back at the track when the team looks to go for the three-peat in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at Lancaster Motorplex on Saturday, July 12.
Beers is the two-time and reigning champion of the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 at Lancaster Motorplex. But this year’s return to the Western NY speed plant brings added meaning.
Last season, Beers drove the KLM Motorsports #64 to victory lane, but Murphy—battling illness at the time—had to watch the celebration from home on FloRacing. This time, the whole team is aiming to relive that winning moment together.
After sitting out the majority of the 2024 season, the popular car owner is feeling great and back at the track with his team. His return at North Wilkesboro Speedway was not only celebrated by his own but by all the teams.
“It was great to have Murph back at the track,” said fellow competitor Craig Lutz. “You race against the same people for a long time and there are certain people that you just connect with. As soon as you meet Murph, he makes you feel not only like a friend but part of the family. He’s a rare person. Murph’s the man!”
Mike Murphy has been racing on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour for 15 seasons with several talented drivers including Ron Yuhas, Jr., Anthony Nocella, Rob Summers, and Timmy Solomito. The team began to realize its full potential several years ago with second generation driver Austin Beers behind the wheel.
Beers and Murphy celebrated their first Modified Tour victories together at Richmond International Raceway in 2023. Since, they have scored two additional wins – both coming at Lancaster. The team has finished in the top-five in the points standings each year since joining forces full time in 2022. Riding consistency, Murph’s driver currently sits atop the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour point standings.
Murphy credits part of their success to the strong chemistry between his family-focused operation and the close-knit Beers family. Wife Maggie and grown children Lyndsey and Kelly (the source of the team’s name) are very much involved in the race team, each playing a key role.
“Having my dad back at the racetrack after being sidelined for a year due to his lung transplant is more than just a return to racing,” said daughter Lyndsey. “It feels like we got our crew chief, cheerleader, and class clown all back. His presence lifts the whole team’s spirits and morale. The team runs better when he’s around, and the laughs are louder too”.
Murphy had been suffering with decreased lung capacity for several years, with COVID acerbating his failing health. Murphy, who had been on the donor list, received a bilateral lung transplant on January 27, 2025 — a turning point that gave him a new lease on life. Much to the elation of family, friends, and the racing community.
A native of Waterford, Ireland, Murph and wife Maggie moved to the United States in the nineties in pursuit of the American dream. That dream included racing. And, ironically, that dream brought him to Waterford, CT. Ultimately winning an SK Modified championship with Yuhas, before moving to the Tour in 2011.
“After everything he’s been through, seeing him breathe easy and do what he loves again is truly amazing,” added Lyndsey.
Murphy is feeling great and ready to enjoy the rest of the season with his KLM Race Team, with hopes that another Lancaster wins and many others are on the horizon.
The Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 12. A full racing card will also include Sportsman, Late Models, and Street Stocks. On Friday, July 11, the track is hosting Nitro Night of Fire on the strip. For tickets and to learn more visit Lancaster Speedway.
