Volkswagen victory for Worksop wonder Walker

A FORMER Worksop College student has taken victory in the 2012 APR Volkswagen Racing Cup, at Donington Park.

Notts racer James Walker missed out on the title in the previous two seasons, but wasn’t to be denied this year, leading throughout the series.

His results from the championship finale brought his tally of podium finishes to an impressive 11, including two race wins.

A delighted Walker said: “This means the world to me, it really does.”

“It’s been a long time coming and I’m really happy.”

Walker, sponsored by Retford-based insurance brokers Cooke & Mason, will now enjoy a fully funded outing in the final round of the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup at Hockenheim, Germany, this month.

He clinched the cup in the first of the day’s races at Donington, in which he placed third.

In race two, unburdened by the need to drive conservatively, he worked his way up from sixth on the grid to within seconds of leader Aaron Mason, taking second place ahead of dad Richard Walker.

“That was a great race,” added James . “I was able to let my hair down and race for once. I couldn’t believe who was in my mirrors at the end.”

Steve Cooke, Chairman of Cooke & Mason plc added: “We’ve known James and Richard for over 20 years and have been very impressed by his achievements in motorsport.”

“We’re delighted that he’s won the championship and we wish him success at Hockenheim.”

Walker started racing in national championships in 2007 at the age of 20 following in the footsteps of his father Richard, a former rally driver and truck-racing champion.

When not whizzing around the racetrack, the driver works at the family-owned haulage business Walker & Son Hauliers based in Tuxford.