MXP Chatter With Daryl Murphy

In the latest issue of MXP Magazine we sat down and chatted with Daryl Murphy. As we all know, Daryl spends his spare time travelling to all of the rounds of the 2018 Rockstar Energy Triple Crown Series to assist Paul Kingsley with officiating. With all of the scrutiny that the series officials have been under in recent weeks, we thought it would be good time to post this entertaining interview with one of this sports great guys. Here is this week’s MXP Chatter With Daryl Murphy. 

Daryl Murphy is the type of person that our sport just cannot seem to do without. For the past number of years, “Murph,” as he’s known in the paddock, has been Head Referee Paul Kingsley’s faithful assistant at the Rockstar Energy Triple Crown Series. He is a fair and honest person, and away from the stress of making sure everything runs smoothly at our most important motocross events, Daryl Murphy is a very funny person. To find out even more about him, we caught with Daryl for this month’s MXP Chatter.

MXP: First off, we all see you at the track doing your thing, what does Daryl Murphy do when he’s not at the track? 

DM: When not at the track I am at home in Regina and usually with something on the go. I work a full-time job leading a team of thirty plus people in sales execution. I am also the Race Director for the Saskatchewan Motosport Association Inc. (SMA) handling membership inquiries, advancement, results, training and scheduling officials, scoring staff, preparing race day packages for clubs prior to the race season, and being a go-to guy for anything Saskatchewan Moto needs.

Aside from Motocross, I am a CFL fan and bleed green for my team as a season’s ticket holder to the Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club and take in as many games as possible during the season.

The rest of my time is spent with family and friends as they are a huge part of my life. I’m rarely ever just sitting around, but when that does happen it’s usually me watching a movie, stand-up comedy or a series on Netflix. Currently I am watching Shameless.

MXP: Shameless is an excellent show. Tell us, what is more stressful, the weekends at the track or your day job? 

DM: Had you asked this question a year ago, I would have said motocross, but with starting a new leadership role at work, I would have to say both. The nice part in a way is that they complement each other because I am able to leave one to do the other.  My “stress” is about wanting more for everyone, including myself, while trying to help ensure things are as best as they can be, and that’s why I would say they are equal. Nothing is more stressful than things not going to plan and finding a way to make it better because everyone is counting on you or the team you work with to make things happen to get the job done. 

MXP: Everyone in this industry have a long background and a deep love for motocross, can you take us through your history?

DM: Where does one begin, and how much room do we have? (laughs)

Well, I guess we will start with how I even started in the sport. Like most I started racing when I was about five-years-old and raced until about 1998 before taking a few years hiatus from the sport.  I was wanting to try other sports and ended up choosing soccer.  After a few years of soccer, it was sort of like this itch to try motocross again and forget about soccer because it just did not have the same atmosphere like being at the track…that or I was just not very good!  

I remember choosing my home track, Moto Valley Raceway, for my return to motocross in September of 2000.  When I went to register I was given a choice to make because of my age and when my birthdate was. I could have raced 80cc 7-11 or I could have chosen to go in the 12-16 class.  It was a clear choice to go in the older class to see where I stood after coming back and what it might look like in the class the next year.  

I raced that day and came away with a third place, which was shocking to me. I started to realize that this racing motocross stuff never really leaves your system. The adrenaline, excitement and fun I had that day was enough to keep me going for years to come, and of course my parents.

It wasn’t until late 2004 that things started to change the course of my career within Motocross.  It was the night of the Annual General Meeting for the Regina Motocross Club. Discussions were being held, questioning if the club had enough left in the tank let alone the people in main positions to continue hosting the Pro Nationals. Listening to those around the table discuss the mere idea of not hosting another national caliber race was hard to swallow knowing that the future of the pro event in your own backyard has the potential to come to an end right then and there. I remember raising my hand and waiting to be acknowledged to begin speaking. The words I spoke next made the room pause for a second when I asked, “What can I do to help?” It seemed to create a spark in the room and start a discussion on how a sixteen-year-old would be able to help manage this event.  Our Event Manager for the club at the time, Darwin Janz, offered to hold the position while mentoring me as a co-manager until I was able to handle the role myself.  From that point forward, on behalf of the club and under the guidance and mentorship of Darwin, I started working with Mark Stallybrass on items pertaining to Regina’s national race.  

In 2006, I was nominated and elected to the Vice President position on the SMA board.  It honestly was a shock to me. As they mentioned my name, I made a joke saying I would have to ask my Mom as chuckles ensued. I turned to accept my nomination, and my work with the region began.  Now that I was on a provincial level my contacts and relationships started to grow, and my dealings with Mark Stallybrass expanded to include amateur moto. 

In 2007, I was nominated to be the President to succeed Roland Giroux, after a full year of mentoring under this great man, and I served as the chair for three years.  

I continued to race up until 2008, then decided to hang up the boots from the Intermediate class. I was not the most competitive, however my love for the sport continued with the desire to help in other ways outside of racing.  

MXP: That is a very interesting story. What are some of your most cherished memories growing up?

DM: In 1996 when I won my 50cc 7-8 class championship. When it’s your only championship you cherish it to the bitter end (laughs).

One would be when both my brother and I lined up in Moose Jaw for the same Youth race.  We started and both made it to the third corner, then both of our bikes just died.  Were both trying to kick start the bikes when my brother yelled over, “Check the gas, Dad turned it off!” I mean, at the end of day it was one of our most laughable moments being together at the races.  

Another would be how awesome it was when Dad started to race. We eventually were able to do that together in the same class the last year I competitively raced.  

I wouldn’t be able to name them all but all the travel stories and places we have been with all of our friends and families are very much cherished and brought up from time to time when getting together.

MXP: What is the best race you saw as a kid?

DM: Easy! Everyone should remember this one back in 2002 from Regina Moto Valley Raceway.  The second 250 Pro moto start to finish. Blair Morgan takes an early yet comfortable lead out front in his home province, as Jean Sebastian Roy battles his way up to challenge for the win. JSR makes a pass for the lead in a corner just prior to the triple section leading into the mechanics’ area.  Blair then makes a pass back in the roller section using a fantastic line, and back and forth they would go. Lappers were in the way one lap for JSR and for Morgan the next until the final pass was made by JSR near the mechanics’ area to hold on and take the win. What an electric race it was!

MXP: That was an awesome race and a great season with those two. Did you have a favourite rider growing up?

DM: Well, I would have to say I had two.

First would be local Pro Dustin Pretty for being pretty awesome, for being one of Saskatchewan’s top riders at the time, and being with him traveling to do the western swing of the pro nationals. Being able to travel with the Prettys to races, getting to know the family and watching him race at some of the pro national events like Mission, Calgary or Regina is why Dustin would be on of my favourites growing up. If it wasn’t for Dustin and his Dad, Lyle Pretty, I honestly don’t think I would have the same passion for Pro Motocross. 

I also have to say K-Dub #14, Kevin Windham. His riding style to how he treats his fans and his presence on the track makes him one of my favourites.  I mean, just look how he came out of retirement to race for Puerto Rico at the MXON, and that story about the fan who handed him an urn that contained his son’s ashes.  The father’s wish was to have Kevin do a lap with the urn, so he taped it to his bars and rode with it in the morning.  #Legend

MXP: When and how did you make the transition to being an official?

DM: It would be safe to say the transition started after I stopped racing and start officiating provincial motocross events in 2009 and also started to travel the western series as the finish line flagger. I started to learn both the amateur and pro rulebooks while working with Randy Hall and Jake Lee. From there it was all about opportunities that were given to me, as well how well I was able to handle the roles. In 2010, it was my first opportunity as the Safety Marshall/Assistant Referee in Regina, which made it a comfortable start to that role for me, and from there I handled those duties in 2011 for the western swing of the tour. It wasn’t until about 2012 that I started to travel the entire series and become a mainstay. 

MXP: You’re famous for your blue flag waving abilities. Do you remember the first time you ever waved a blue flag?

DM: I don’t recall the very first time but it would be safe to say around 2009 at a Saskatchewan provincial race or maybe even finish line flagging at one of the national events. 

Quite frankly, blue flags were just blue flags back then. They barely got any movement in the air. (laughs) Having something visible for the lappers to see, well Palms, it’s all in the wrist and shoulder. I felt I could make sure people were well aware of what was happening around them so the race wouldn’t be impeded as much, and also remembering it’s as much of a safety thing as it is for the race itself.

We are their eyes and ears out there, and at this level we need to be as animated and visible as possible, in my opinion. Some may disagree if they have ever come close to the “Blue Love” as I call it. Rare as it is may seem, only team manager Kevin Tyler has ever got caught in motion by accident. That was 2018…odds are good it won’t happen again, eh KT?

MXP: What is your favourite part of being an official at the Nationals?

DM: Should there be a favourite part being an official, Palms? (Laughs)

I would say I have many favourite parts in general. One is when we have great racing without incident that I have a front row seat to, while helping call out the race to the team on the headsets.

Also, working with my partner in crime, Head Referee Paul Kingsley, Clerk of the Course Wendy Snelgrove, and her assistants Susan Harris, Chelsea and Dawna Stevens, who I have had the pleasure and honour to work with that have always had my back. To working on race days with Lisa Snider, Brett Lee, Dave Little, James Andrew, Ver-B, Chad Irwin, Tokley, Roodz, Balake, Jeff Whaling, Andrew Fountain, Mcfly, Kevin Eadie, John Tuk, Matt Koeleman, Mckenna Kameka, Darren Havrelock, Keanna Nikole, and the Thompson family!

I miss working with some of our old team too, like Marc Travers and Brian Koster. Those guys knew how to create excitement and memorable moments you just can’t forget. “What do you mean what do I mean?” (That one is for you Travs) 

Other than being an official, I would say we are all ambassadors of this great sport regardless of the positions we hold, and the best part is just being with a group of people I can easily call my family.

MXP: Over the years you’ve dealt with a lot of top riders. Of those riders, which ones have been easy to deal with and which ones have been difficult?

DM: I’ve only had really one “Most” difficult and that would have to be CP377. I don’t wish to throw too much shade so let’s just call a spade a spade.

I understand how intense and emotional this sport is, so having riders or team managers potentially coming at you frustrated and upset does not mean I would classify them as difficult as much as I would say the situation being difficult.

Everyone is relatively good as they all know they can come and hold a conversation with us on whatever topic or issue. We will listen, discuss and eventually come to make an unbiased and impartial decision based on information gathered, facts presented and our interpretation or intent of the rules.

MXP: Okay, I’m going to put you on the spot. Give us your most difficult situation you’ve had as an official?

DM: Dealing with circumstances that may arise where you haven’t had a specific issue before, to where the rulebook may have grey areas or is just completely absurd. Making discretionary decisions when you have championships on the line, and top contenders making poor decisions whether on or off the track make for the most difficult situations.

For example, last year’s event in Pleasant Valley was probably one of the most difficult to deal with in recent memory, leaving many unhappy or questioning the decisions made. The Pourcel incident was intriguing in itself, and when all facts were presented, official’s actions and the verbiage in the rulebook considered, discretionary calls were made.

MXP: That is the most professional answer I’ve ever heard, well done! This past year we transitioned into a new series with some of the races taking place indoors. How have the indoor events been?

DM: Well, the indoor events are newer to me, and I had not really had much experience with them as others on the team, but everyone has to learn some time. To start the AX tour, I mean we could talk dirt all day long, and for my first indoor…crazy to say the least. What did I get myself into? But we do what we do best… make it work and make it happen!  It was some of the softest dirt I’ve walked on for well over 15 hours plus. I can tell you my legs literally hurt for two days after it was said and done.  

Calgary and Sarnia were my favourites, and how could you forget the crazy ice storm in Barrie.

The start of the SX Tour with Montreal Supercross was a whole new experience as well, and I was happy to have Kinger there with me!  Delaware was also an experience outdoors at night. The lighting was certainly a challenge, and that clay… oh boy!  

In general, they were okay, but I think as we continue to gel as a team we will only continue to get better as an entire crew delivering a high-quality product. It takes time and we should all be supportive because negativity does not do much of anything to help or progress things.

MXP: Generally speaking, are the riders and teams easier to deal with at the indoor events?

DM:  No, not at all! I think it is way more of a challenge. One may think because you are in a confined space that it may be easier, however things can happen quickly. The program moves so damn fast it can force you to make quick decisions. As a head official you need to be on your game, because once you waver everyone smells blood in the water and feeds off of it to potentially use it against you.

They were some of the most intense and challenging moments of my life, but luckily enough I was graced with some really great people behind me in AX to manage it, as there were times I needed it. There are no words I could possibly use other than many heartfelt thanks to people in our industry who supported me mentally after those events.

With that being said, it is such a great opportunity for me to learn and grow as an official in the sport. 

MXP: How has it been working with Sir Paul Kingsley. You two are quite the duo. 

DM: Working with Kinger has been nothing short of amazing. Paul and I starting working together when he rejoined the series as the Head Referee in 2011 for Round 1 in Kamloops.

It was definitely interesting to meet Paul for the first time as he brought a wealth of knowledge and history from prior years of officiating nationals, while I brought current knowledge of the series and what the riders and teams were accustomed to seeing at an event. From there we worked seamlessly as a team, and helped each other in every aspect of the race weekends.

Fast forward to present day, Paul is one of the calmest level-headed guys out there. He has and still is teaching me a lot with regards to remaining calm, making decisions and managing the race. At the same time, I am his trustee side kick with in depth knowledge of the verbiage in the rulebook and when called upon, providing him with answers he needs, as well taking care of all safety personnel and training.

Kinger and I have always worked very well together, in my opinion, because we do it for the love of the sport, and it’s never a political battle in any way. We know and trust each other’s abilities on and off the track, and the respect we have for each other, to listen and challenge one another when it comes to rules or decisions while each of us brings a different perspective to the table has helped us be successful.

I honestly do not know if I would want to work without the man we call Sir Paul! Thank you for everything you do and I sincerely hope we can continue working together for as long as your knees can take it. Much love and mad respect!

MXP: Are you still enjoying going to the track each weekend?

DM: I would say yes, absolutely. This year was a big year for me personally with regards to my work at home, Saskatchewan motocross, and the Triple Crown Series, so it was a bit overwhelming when all put together. I still enjoy being part of the scene, and being with my moto family away from home.  

Next year will be another growth year and I suspect I will be busy helping with that in some way, and I look forward to being at the track!  

MXP: How long do you see yourself being a part of this crazy circus?

DM: Another tough question Palms! You know, I honestly think about this quite a lot, but unfortunately, I don’t know that answer just yet.

Sometimes you think to yourself, wow that’s all I do during the summer! What would I be doing if I wasn’t at the track? Well, that reality set in when CMRC was being sold and Justin Thompson took the helm. There was little to no visibility at the beginning as to what staff from CMRC he may want to employ, if at all. I didn’t know what to think other than there was a real possibility I wouldn’t be a part of the series. Luckily enough Justin called me to discuss me being a part of the Triple Crown series.

I have always told myself and others like Justin, I will always be there for the sport if it needed me in some way. Being that I am only thirty-years-old, it would be safe to say I would be around a while if it was in the best interest of the series and the sport.

MXP: Final question, when you’re all done being an official, how would you like to be remembered at the track? 

DM: A monument next to Daryl Murphy’s famous Moto-X Van atop Regina Moto Valley? (laughs)

Honestly, I would love to be remembered at the track for someone who had good character, integrity, passion, and someone who cared deeply about all the competitors and their safety.

To be remembered as a familiar face to everyone, and for those who may have ever been in a vulnerable position on the track, to have them know that I did whatever possible to be in a position to take control of a situation and to help keep everyone as safe as possible.

Also, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to say thanks to you Palms and MXP Mag for this opportunity to do this interview.

I would also like to thank my parents, Roxanne and Dean Murphy, for always sticking behind me and supporting me in my dreams to do more for the sport, starting at such a young age. My Brother Michael, Sister In-law Kendra, my Nephew Kaine and Niece Jordyn Murphy, thank you for the love and support you all give to me while I am away.

The Regina Motocross Club, Saskatchewan Motosport Association and all of its membership for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to lead our province!  

To Mark and Jan Stallybrass who gave me opportunities to learn, grow, and become a part of such a great family. I cannot say thank you enough for everything, and how much you treated me like family! Much Love! Thank you to anyone that has ever helped me be where I am today. As a reminder to everyone, even if you are younger, you can always help in some way and know it will make a difference.  Ask yourself, “What can I do?”