Dumbarton Reporter | Sport | DOYLE ON FORM IN RACE DEBUT

Wednesday, 9th July, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 8th April, 2008 09:30

DOYLE ON FORM IN RACE DEBUT

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RACER: Michael impressed on his debut

RACING sensation Michael Doyle has wowed spectators in his debut race of the Hi-Q British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

The 20-year-old In-Tune Racing star climbed a literal mountain at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit to achieve a deserved top 15 race result on his debut.

Doyle, from Gartocharn, made the step-up to the BTCC in its 50th anniversary season after a successful three-year tenure in the ELF Renault Clio Cup support series.

He started off at the Kent track without an engine in his BTC-spec Honda Civic Type-R and faced a race to get the car ready for Saturday’s qualifying.

Although he missed the opening free practice, Michael emerged on track in the second session but could only complete an installation lap due to a power steering glitch.

With a persistent misfire and gear problems throughout qualifying, Michael lined up 25th on the grid for his maiden BTCC race. Forced to pit after several laps, due to the recurrent misfire, he did re-emerge five laps down on the leaders.

Round two saw the In-Tune racer start 22nd and he eventually finished in 18th place after a see-saw battle to place himself on row nine of the grid for Sunday afternoon’s third and final race.

Although the race was affected by two safety car periods, Michael kept his cool and ran in 16th position on lap 14 after getting ahead of the S2000-specification Chevrolet Lacetti of Harry Vaulkhard.

An entertaining battle with Arkas Racing team-mates Erkut Kizilirmak and Martyn Bell then ensued, Michael emerging ahead and taking 15th place at the flag — a just reward for a great effort and never-say-die attitude over March 29 and 30.

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