Strong Finish for Walker Racing Atlantics in Long Beach

Lacroix (No.25 Uni-Select/Deans Knight Capital Management Ltd./Wasteco) had an impressive performance for his first start at Long Beach. He brought home a solid finish for the Indianapolis based squad. Lacroix had a great start, and gained a position going from fifth to fourth. The Canadian just kept his nose to the grindstone and battled Summerton, but prevailed in the end. The 19 year old earned a third place finish, starting the season off in style.

Greg and Leo Mansell continued to gain experience. They both learned a lot and maintained a consistent race. Greg had a great start, gained two positions, bringing home a 14th place finish. His brother Leo started from 21st and gained three positions during the race, putting him in 19th place.

Walker Racing will head back to Indianapolis and prepare for the Monterey Festival of Speed at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, May 17-18. For more updates on the team please visit www.walkerracing.com   

What they had to say…

Greg Mansell (No. 5 Sunseeker): "It was a tough race and was difficult to drive the car faster. The setup just wasn’t quite right for me on this circuit. We didn’t take a big enough of a risk with the change of setup. The track really progressed a lot with grip and the whole race we were trying to keep it off the walls. We finished and I really learned a lot and I’m ready for the next one."

Leo Mansell (No.15 Sunseeker) : "I got a reasonable start, just being towards the back was tough, because it’s impossible to make up much on the start. You just stack up, especially on the street track. I really learned a lot the through race and how to drive on a street course.

For the next race we should be a lot, lot stronger. It’s just a completely different driving style from what we are used to. Overall we learned a lot and will move forward the next time we come."

Kevin Lacroix (No. 25 Uni-Select/Deans Knight Capital Management Ltd/Wasteco):"This weekend started pretty well and in practice we were pretty fast. Then we had some problems, but we managed to get all the laps we needed to get the car better. The car made a great effort to have the car good for qualifying, so I qualified fifth which is pretty good. In the race I gained positions right away.

We just followed everyone and had to drive a smart race and keep my position from Jonathan Summerton. The car was perfect for the race. I have to thank my sponsors, Uni-Select, Wayne Deans (Deans Knight Capital Management Ltd.) and thank you to Walker Racing, it was a great weekend."

Derrick Walker, Walker Racing Owner: "First race we need to keep it in perspective. For Kevin, good points to go towards a championship. We are getting stronger every lap that we run together as a team. Greg and Leo are still learning to know what kind of car they need.

They have a tremendous and steep learning curve, because street racing is new for them and the technique that it requires. All in all, we came away from here with three cars in one piece and a podium finish. We learned a lot. Everyone did a great job and now we head to Laguna."

- Elizabeth Cannon -