MARK McAleer took top points in the latest round of the Formula Colway Porsche 924 Championship to set up a tight finish in this year's series.

The reigning champion from Richmond stormed to an eight-second victory over Lincolnshire driver Shaun Richardson in a half-hour race at Snetterton to open up a 36-point lead in the championship.

While Mark ran clear of the pack at the Norfolk track, his main title rivals were throwing points away at a crucial time of the season. Both Keith Penman from Darlington and Lancashire driver Martin Wood failed to finish, while James Neal from Welwyn was third after taking pole position on the grid.

Neal won the race to the first corner, but spun two laps later at Russell Bend as Wood, Penman and McAleer applied pressure. In the confusion both Wood and McAleer's cars suffered body damage, but the latter was able to continue with a crumpled front while Wood pulled off soon afterwards when his engine began to fail.

McAleer and Penman battled side by side for the lead until the latter's engine went off-song, leaving the way to the flag clear for McAleer.

Leading positions. - 1 M McAleer (Richmond) 543 pts; 2 K Penman (Darlington) 507; 3 M Wood (Barrowford, Lancs) 493; 4 S Richardson (Brigg) 456, 5 J Neal (Welwyn) 452; 6 Fraser Robertson (Richmond) 436.