Heat and dehydration could not prevent Richard Walker-Talbot and his WalkTall Racing team from scoring a top ten finish in the recent fifth-annual Grassroots Motorsports Ultimate Track Car Challenge in Virginia.

A record 65 competitors took part in last month's invite only event which saw the racing cars split into eight and six cylinder categories.

With ambient temperatures not dropping below 100 degress the whole weekend, the event was a true test of physical and mental endurance for Talbot whose braking system was adversly affected by the scorching heat

"This is the first race of the season for me," said Talbot, an independent driver who finished ninth in the six cylinder class.

"I was very content finishing ninth considering the field I was in. I wanted a top-ten finish and I got one better.

"Although the heat affected my braking system which in turn didn't allow me to get a full qualifying session in.

"Being an independent and not a team sponsored driver a trip to the local auto parts store was needed and an excellent high speed rotor change by my crew proved to be sufficient.

"The mechanical failure of my braking system due to overheating which only allowed me to run two laps in the time allotted.

"With some hard work from my mechanics we changed the braking system and modified a ducting system to get cool air to the brakes."

The 35-year-old was not the only driver who had difficulty adjusting to the heat which also forced many of his competitors to hit the pits early and often.

Off the track, Talbot's journey to Virginia was also a mission as he had to complete an ardous –10 hour road trip from New Jersey to the race venue – the last thing any driver needs ahead of an important event.

A technical inspection shortly after arriving was the pivotal point of the pre-race events, and having passed the necessary tests, Talbot and his team began preparing for the qualifying session.

"My first session was my first lap on this three mile track. It's a technical course with 18 corners and I experienced every type of turn you could find on a track anywhere

"With the changes to the car done, I was ready in time for the race and finished in ninth place. I wanted a top ten finish and I was pleased with my result," he said.

"It was a great race weekend for me and my team WalkTall Racing."