Stephen Walsh claims Junior Classic podium at Walderstown Road Races

Stephen Walsh claims Junior Classic podium at Walderstown Road Races

Kerry road racer Stephen Walsh secured a third-place finish in the Junior Classic class at the Race of the South in Walderstown over the weekend.

Competing across two classes on his Honda 350K4 and Honda CBR400RR, Walsh faced a busy schedule following travel delays that saw him arrive at the two-mile circuit at 2:00 am on Saturday morning.

Walsh qualified second in the 350 Junior Classic class despite a rear-wheel lockup on the final lap of practice caused by stripped threads on the chain adjuster. With assistance from fellow competitors Andy Kildea and Wattie Brown, the bike was repaired ahead of Sunday’s racing.

Starting from the front row in the Junior Classic race, Walsh made a strong start to lead into the opening section before eventually crossing the line third in class.

“I was first into the first road end and away through the technical section of Walderstown, which really is great fun to ride,” Walsh said. “Up over the jump and then shoulder into the grass through the fast right-hander that follows. It really is living your very best life when you get the chance to race on a closed road. Nothing else comes close.”

Earlier in the day, Walsh recorded a fourth-place finish in the Lightweight class on the Honda CBR400RR as he continues to adapt to the new machine.

“The 400 ran well on our first outing of the meeting,” he noted. “The bike is new to me and there is a lot of work to do to get her up to speed. The little 400 is a bundle of fun to race and this year is all about learning the bike and learning how to ride it.”

Walsh extended his thanks to sponsors and supporters Jamie and Mick at Assured Power Generators, Der O’Rahilly, Dan Murphy, and mechanic Ciaran Moran.

His road racing campaign continues over the coming weeks with back-to-back outings at Armoy and the Mid-Antrim 150.

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