MOTOR SPORT News: Roscommon racer Emmet Queenan is on the threshold of a professional career, following his selection for a Lola Formula Nippon test in Japan.
Queenan (19), from Castlereagh, and this year's Formula Ireland champion, was chosen after tests at Mondello Park and Westwood Fitness Club in Leopardstown which were also taken by fellow Formula Ireland drivers Paul Dagg, Barry Waugh and Alan Dwyer.
Mondello Park owner and Lola Cars chairman Martin Birrane said Queenan was "clearly a very talented driver and I have no doubt that given further opportunities like this he can go to a very successful career in motor racing".
Queenan received the news in Galway where he is studying for his mechanical engineering exams in NUIG. "I am thrilled and honoured to have been selected," he said, "I'm looking forward to giving it my best shot in Japan."
He will drive the car raced to victory in this year's Formula Nippon championship by Northern Ireland's Richard Lyons. Depending on his test at Mine, in early December or January, Queenan's biggest challenge will be to find the backing for a Formula Nippon race series drive with a competitive team.
For the finalists in the Dunlop Sexton Trophy/Young Racing Driver Of The Year and Billy Coleman Award for Young Rally Driver of the Year the next few days will be tense. All will be revealed on Tuesday at the Motorsport Ireland and Alfa Romeo 'Awards For Excellence in Irish Motorsport' midday function in Dublin's Conrad Hotel.
Queenan is one of the three finalists for the prize which is worth €35,000, with last year's winner Eoin Murray and fellow Dublin driver Patrick Hogan.
Shortlisted for the rally prize and a support package worth 32,000 are Eamon McElvaney (Castleshane, Co Monaghan), Brendan Murphy (Mallow) and Peter Wilson (Kells).
Sunday's final round of the Irish Rallycross championship at Mondello Park is down to a straight fight between John McCluskey and Dermot Carnegie. McCluskey leads by a point.
FIXTURES: Saturday - Midland MC, Navigation Trial, starts Ballinahowen, Co Westmeath, 8.45pm. Sunday - Co Kildare MC, Rallycross, Mondello Park, 10.30am; Co Cavan MC, Autocross, Ballybay-Cootehill Road, 10.30am.
