Motor racing driver Richard Walker-Talbot will be looking to make a good impression at the 2010 edition of the Ultimate Track Car Challenge held in Alton, Virginia next month.

Sponsored by Grass Roots Motorsports Magazine, the annual race is an invitation-only event.

Talbot, 35, who was born in the United States but whose father is Bermudian, has put high expectations on himself for the spectacle although a lack of sponsorship funds have placed him at a disadvantage.

"I would be happy with a top-10 finish out of 40 cars in my class," said Talbot. "Because of my experience level I will be going up against drivers that have a much higher race budget than I do.

"I'm considered an independent because I have no sponsors and race on my own money.

"I hope to possibly pick up a few small local sponsorships to help with the costs.

"Any amount helps in racing and I would provide logos on the car and framed pictured for any sponsor interested."

For the past two years Talbot has been taking his own race car to time trial events to keep his skills sharp.

In 2007 he applied for his racing instructor licence, earning it with high marks thus becoming a certified racing instructor in the National Auto Sport Association (NASA).

While holding many licences in different associations, Talbot says he is proud that he personally builds his cars and has shown ability and promise to make it on the bigger stage.

He also owns his own racing team.

"In 2003 I drove my own personally built upgraded USTCC/SCCA spec Dodge Neon touring car at NASA club racing events for my own team WalkTall Racing sponsored by Lawrence Distributors/ 7UP, Talbot Enterprises and advanced from upper intermediate level to the experienced/Instructor level," he said.

"I travelled to Great Britain to test drive go-karts at Playscape Pro Racing.

"I was the first minority and international driver to place in a Mid-Atlantic Road Racing Series (MARRS) event.

"After being able to compete in only two races in the series because of time restraints out of a possible nine I finished eighth in the MARRS final points."

The Ultimate Track Car Challenge will be held on July 23.