Richmond driver Mark McAleer has become the first Formula Colway Porsche 924 double champion after clinching the title for the second year running at Brands Hatch.

The 36-year-old finished second behind Darlington's Keith Penman in the 14th and final race of the series. That was enough to give him the title after main rival Martin Wood was forced to retire from the race.

The Lancashire driver, who went into the series finale equal on points with McAleer at the head of the championship, saw his hopes dashed when a minor collision early in the race ripped the valve from one of his Porsche's rear tyres. He pulled out a few laps later, dropping to fourth in the final championship table.

Penman led from start to finish, beating McAleer by two and a half seconds, to take third place in the championship. Shaun Richardson, from Brigg, was overall runner-up.

As he raced, McAleer was unaware he was on course for the title. He said: "Martin Wood was my biggest threat, but although I knew he was not immediately behind me I did not know his position. It was not until I left the track I was told Martin had pulled out and I was champion."

Final top ten placings: 1 M McAleer 649.5 pts; 2 S Richardson 633; 3 K Penman 629; 4 M Wood 611; 5 J Wolfe 597.5; 6 C Ingram 594; 7 D Parnell 589.5; 8 J Neal 546; 9 M Holden; 10 F Robertson (Richmond) 509.