ST-EUSTACHE, QC Travis Walker got his first drive in his new Netscape/Kensai Racing Acura RSX-Type S in the opening round of the FAQ (Federation Auto Quebec) Touring Hankook Championship. The 18-year old Mississauga-native was immediately on the pace and came home with a top five for his efforts.
"This was a great first weekend for the Netscape/Kensai Racing Acura RSX-Type S,” Walker said. “For a completely new car, it went really, really well. I felt comfortable right away and I could push hard to get the speed I needed to compete at the front.”
Walker missed some much needed practice sessions on Friday due to some noise issues that are in place at the St-Eustache track, but he made up for lost time in the short practice sessions he did get on Saturday and Sunday morning.
“The team worked hard on the new car all weekend. Because it is in Grand Am Cup trim, we had a few noise issues to address, but they got it sorted out and it wasn’t a problem after that.”
Walker drew 16th out of 24 for the qualifying race, and immediately he pushed the Netscape/Kensai Racing Acura RSX-Type S towards the front of the field overtaking 11 cars to finish a solid fifth.
“We are down on horsepower due to the configuration the car is in,” Walker said. “But it handled so good, I could make up time and beat cars that should be much faster than us. This really is a great car, and it gives the team and me lots of confidence moving forward.”
In the 25 lap final, Walker immediately moved forward again to take third. He held that position until just a few laps remaining when he developed tire and braking issues.
“Because of the lack of power in Grand Am Cup trim I really used up the brakes and tires,” Walker said.
Two cars slipped by, demoting Walker to fifth, but he battled back to retake fourth, which is where he finished.
“This was a good weekend for the whole team,” Walker said. “We learned a lot about this car, and the development we need to do on it. For the first weekend, I am really happy with the Netscape /Kensai Racing Acura RSX-Type S.”
Walker will now have a few test sessions to improve the car, and get ready for round 2 of the FAQ Touring Hankook Championship at Sanair at the end of May.
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