Dwyer is Zetec dominator

The Ford of Ireland Zetec Championship got underway at the new look Mondello Park over the weekend and it was 21-year-old Alan Dwyer from Glanmire who dominated proceedings winning both races convincing from pole position.

Round 1, which took place on Sunday, saw Dwyer put his Dwyer Engineering run Swift on pole with fellow Corkman Gordon Coleman lining up alongside in a Van Diemen. 2000 Championship runner-up Alan Ring and Irish Kart Champion Michael Devaney occupied row 2. A good start from Dwyer saw him lead into the first corner from where he controlled the 12 lap race to take his first Zetec win ahead of Kerry's Alan Ring and Portrush's George McAlpin. Devaney (gearbox) and Coleman (accident) both retired from the race. Monday's race, Round 2 of 10, saw Dwyer again post the fastest time in qualifying this time with 16 year old rookie Michael Devaney alongside him in his DD Racing Van Diemen.

The second row was made up of round 1 podium finishers McAplin and Ring. Another good start by the pole sitter saw him lead into the first corner but behind a three car accident illuminated Devaney, McAlpin and Ring causing the safety car to be brought out. On the restart Dwyer again showed the way ahead of the battling group of John Gunning, Charlie Donnelly and Ray Moore. Donnelly and Moore working their way past Gunning's Mygale by the flag to claim second and third respectively. The Ford of Ireland Zetec Championship moves to Kirkistown next for Round 3 on May 26th.

Race Result - Round 1, Sunday: 1) Alan Dwyer (Dwyer Engineering, Swift); 2) Alan Ring (Stuart Coulter Racing, Van Diemen); 3) George McAlpin (AMG Motorsport, Mygale)

Race Result - Round 2, Monday: 1) Alan Dwyer (Dwyer Engineering, Swift); 2) Charlie Donnelly (DD Racing, Van Diemen); 3) Ray Moore (Bernard Dolan Racing, Mygale)

Championship Standings after Round 2 of 10: 1) Alan Dwyer - 30; 2) Kevin Gillespie - 16; 3) Alan Ring - 12; Charlie Donnelly - 12; 5) George McAlpin - 10; Ray Moore - 10

Filed by Pat Nugent