Steve Owen joins Paul Morris Motorsport for 2011

2010 Fujitsu V8 series champion and Triple Eight’s endurance driver Steve Owen gets a full time ride replacing Greg Murphy at PMM next year.

Owen, who raced for Greg Murphy Racing in the development category Fujitsu Series – will effectively replace his former boss at the team in a Holden Commodore VE II, alongside Russell Ingall.

The car will be re-branded from Castrol Racing back to Paul Morris Motorsport with backing from Queensland based company VIP Petfoods, with Owen set to run the No.67 as Murphy will take his iconic No.51 with him, most likely to Kelly Racing.

“This is my biggest opportunity to forge a career at the top level so I’m going to grasp it with both hands and give it a damn good shake,” said Owen.

“They have good equipment and good people so I’m really looking forward to working with them.”

“I can’t thank Paul Morris, Tony Quinn and the people at VIP Petfoods enough for allowing me this opportunity.”

Owen impressed in his spell with Triple Eight Race Engineering this year, sharing with 2008-2009 champion Jamie Whincup, winning his first race at the Gold Coast 600. Paul Morris Motorsport’s Commodores are also built by Triple Eight.

Owen won the 2008 Fujitsu series championship, as well as this year’s series with four wins from seven rounds.

Owen has also been a regular endurance competitor in the top tier since 1999, with three full seasons completed between 2005-2007 with Britek & Rod Nash Racing.