CAN: Travis Walker Mosport HMC notes

Travis Walker fast in Honda Michelin opener at Mosport!
Mississauga driver Travis Walker has successful debut in Oakville Honda Civic

MOSPORT, ONTARIO - Mississauga racer Travis Walker has completed the opening round of the Honda Michelin Series, which was held at Mosport International Raceway as part of the Victoria Day Weekend. Walker finished 11th, but that didn't represent the true speed of the youngest driver in the series.

"On one hand I am happy to score some points and bring my Oakville Honda back in one piece," said the young driver. "But on the other hand, I knew a better finish was possible, if I hadn't gotten punted off the track in turn 5 on the second lap."

Walker started the weekend on a high note, by being fifth fastest in the first practice and then third fastest in the second, and final practice. "Jonak Brothers Racing really gave me a good car, and we work well together. I have high hopes for qualifying."

For qualifying, a new set of Michelins were put on Walker's Oakville Honda. "We wanted him to heat cycle the new tires for a few laps, then stop to let them cool down," Crew chief Mark Jonak said. "As soon as he stopped the rain started, and we were done." Walker qualified 11th, but was confident of making it to the front in the scheduled 16 lap season opener.

Sunday brought with it rain, and now Walker would have to make his first ever start on Michelin rain tires, and deal with a very wet track. Walker's confidence was well founded when he made a rocket start and opening lap to be scored fifth at the end of lap one. "It was great fun," Walker said of the standing start. On the second lap, Walker moved up to fourth as he headed into turn 5. "I saw him coming behind up behind me, but there was nothing I could do. It was a big hit! It sent me off the track. I managed to keep it off the walls, but cars were just streaming by me."

Walker fell back to 13th after the incident, but he didn't give up. By the final lap, he had made his way back to 11th, scoring some valuable points. In a race dominated by veteran Quebec based drivers, Walker was third out of the Ontario based drivers.

"We have to look on the positive side," Walker said after the race. "Our Oakville Honda Civic is fast, and we have a good team chemistry here at Jonak Brothers Racing. We have great support from Ace Auto Collision, Impact Race Products, Loft Transportation and Signs Alive. I'm sure we can show our true speed at Montreal in two weeks time."

-twr-