Car racer Richard Walker-Talbot claimed top honours in the United States Touring Championship East Coast Division series at the weekend, beating all those in his path.Talbot, 35, who was born in the United States but whose father is Bermudian, also finished runner-up in the Real Time Attack class.“I was very pleased with my result of first in the United States Touring Car class and second in the Real Time Attack class, especially because I had never raced on this track before,” said Talbot.“I finished first in the East Coast Division and it was my first time racing in the Real Time Attack so my finish didn’t count for the final results.”The champion’s weekend wasn’t all glitter as he almost didn’t make it to the New Jersey Motorsports Park after being involved in a car crash.Leaving north New Jersey on Saturday evening where his team is based, he and his girlfriend encountered a freak October snow and ice storm on their way to the track the following morning, resulting in the loss of their vehicle.Having to hitch the trailer to a fellow racer’s car, Talbot then had to drive his racing car to the track, make registration in time, change tyres and then qualify.Qualifying 20th of 24 racers and despite the distractions, he then went onto to win his class.He finished 16th overall in the race.“I’d have to say that both of us surviving unharmed, handling the nerves of such an event and having to compose myself for driving at speed was a great task,” said Talbot. “I couldn’t have done it without the support and caring of my girlfriend as well as the camaraderie of fellow racers to help a basic stranger was amazing.”“All in all an amazing life altering weekend.”