Big year for Offaly racing driver Alex (16) as he wins Motorsport Ireland award
Offaly teenager Alex Dunne has his sights set on a possible career as a Formula One racing driver after he recently capped a successful 2021 by winning the Motorsport Ireland 'Young Driver of The Year' Award.
The 16-year-old from Clonbullogue became the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious honour, overcoming tough competition from fellow finalists Jack Byrne, Max Hart and Jordan Kelly.
As part of the award, Alex will receive support to the value of €50,000 for the 2022 season.
A son of Elizabeth and Noel Dunne, Alex started off as a kart racing driver at the age of nine and has made steady progress since then.
In 2021, he took a major step forward in the sport by competing in the Spanish and ADAC (German) Formula 4 Championships.
His speed was evident from the outset as he secured pole position and a podium finish on his opening race of the season at Spa Francorchamps.
On his ADAC F4 debut at Hockenheim in September, Alex took two debut second place finishes and then claimed two pole positions on his return to the track a few weeks later.
His four rookie wins from six starts, as well as being the only rookie to have started from pole position and secured a fastest lap, have marked the Offaly youngster out as a serious Formula 4 prospect.
In 2022, he hopes to build on his achievements by taking on the Formula 4 United Arab Emirates Championship.
Alex said he was "delighted and honoured" to have won the Young Driver of the Year award.
"We worked hard and, despite all the challenges that Covid-19 brought regarding travel, we had a great year and I couldn't have wished for a better end to my debut season out of karting.
"We gained huge experience this year and I can't wait to build on that in 2022. The funding will be a big help to my budget but I am also to delighted to receive other forms of support from both Motorsport Ireland and Sport Ireland.
"I hope to repay their faith in me with more strong performances as I aim to progress up through the FIA Formulas," he said.
In an interview published this week on Extra.ie, Alex spoke about why he enjoys the sport so much.
"When you are on your qualifying lap and pushing your car to the limit, it is a great adrenaline rush," he said.
He also admitted that getting to compete at Formula 1 level was his "ultimate goal" for the long term.
Motorsport Ireland President John Naylor described Alex as "an exciting talent" who looks set to "represent Ireland with distinction as he progresses on his journey."
Alex's season was supported by Harris Group, Maxus, VTL, Reynolds Logistics, Artisan Marble, PDS Associates and Xpress Health.