DUBLIN, Ireland (April 6, 2010) -- Dunlop Young Racing Driver of the Year Patrick McKenna is back in Ireland this week on a brief visit after beginning his career in US racing with a double podium in the first two rounds of the Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda.

McKenna finished second and third in his Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing run Van Diemen on his first ever appearance on a street circuit in St Petersburg, Florida on March 27th and 28th.

Reflecting on his excellent start to the year McKenna was content with the outcome from his first event in the series which has been revived this season with new technical regulations and an impressive prize fund.

“That was a great start and an excellent experience, probably the best of my career so far,” says the Willsborough Transport supported driver. “There was a fantastic atmosphere at the event, and I really couldn’t have expected much more from the weekend.

“I’m delighted to have got my US career off the ground with a big points finish which sets us up nicely for the next event,” McKenna continued. “Our deal came together quite late, and it was a very impressive effort from the Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing crew to get the car prepared and set up to suit the new Mazda engine regulations. “

McKenna tested Roebling Road, Savannah and Anderson Race Park before the start of the season, and the team was optimistic that we could produce a positive result at St. Petersburg.

“Still, there are always going to be a few question marks going to a brand new circuit, especially a street track, and luckily I managed to get the hang of it pretty quickly,” the driver said. “It’s a great driving circuit, much more flowing than you might expect from a street layout with some high speed stuff that really gets your attention.

“It was my first race working with wings on a racing car as well, and I think we can do more work on aerodynamic configurations between now and the next race. There’s so much to learn, and I’m pleased that we have good pace already.”

After qualifying third, McKenna was confident that he had a good pace, and he was able to challenge for second at the halfway point, a position he maintained for a great start to the season. The grid for the second race was determined by the fastest lap in Race One. McKenna started third and finished in the same position.

“Being part of the IndyCar schedule meant huge crowds at the event, and Wayne Taylor arranged for me to visit the Penske Team during the weekend and chat with their drivers, Ryan Briscoe and Will Power. Both lads were friendly and it’s encouraging to be operating in the same environment as the series I eventually want to be racing in. It’s a nice scene.”

McKenna left Florida second in the championship point standings and is looking forward to resuming his test programme ahead of the next round of the series at O’Reilly Speedway in Indianapolis on May 29th, the day before the Indianapolis 500.

“We’ve got running (testing) planned at Road Atlanta (Georgia) before doing some preparation work at O’Reilly Raceway in Indianapolis. In the meantime I’ve got lots of logistical preparation to do as well as staying on top of fitness. It’s hectic at the moment, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Everything I’ve seen so far has convinced me that the switch to the US this year has been a good decision and I can’t wait for the next race.”

McKenna is racing this year with scholarship funding from Dunlop, Motorsport Ireland and the Irish Sports Council, McKenna also enjoys support from Paul Kenny of Willsborough Transport, a long time patron, and DIT.