Ollerton ace Walker makes super start

He had two sensational races, leaving him third in the championship behind Lloyds British GBmoto Kawasaki Racing team mate James Ellison. Shane Byrne leads the championship.

‘Stalker’ showed promise all weekend at Brands after bad weather conditions put paid to some of the racing and qualifying.

Having completed some very good times on Friday and in Saturday’s test and practice sessions, both Walker and team mate Ellison were pleased with their times.

Heavy rain arrived at the Kent circuit on the Sunday and both had to experience wet conditions for the first time on their Kawasaki Ninj ZX-10R superbikes, making the team work like mad to get a decent bike ready for qualifying.

The rain continued to get worse and during qualifying both Walker and Ellison dropped their bikes crashing out with various other top riders doing the same.

Walker took a tumble but managed to get back on in first qualifying and take fourth on the grid for race one.

Bank Holiday Monday’s race day weather had improved for the opening race of the MCE British Superbike Championship and both Walker and Ellison had fantastic starts, Walker being in second position by end of the first lap. On lap two Walker took the lead from Josh Brookes, while team mate Ellison was in a battle for the final podium spot.

The race was red-flagged on lap 18 and a 12 lap re-start put Walker and Ellison on a pole and third place position.

Walker got put back a place to second on lap five and that’s where he stayed with Ellison finishing third behind him,Walker finishing second, 1.615secs behind race winner Shane Byrne.

Warmer weather delighted the riders on race two with Chris starting in third position on the grid and team mate James on pole position.

After slight set up changes. both riders were well placed third and fourth respectively.

Walker was finding some of the changes affecting performance compared to race one, finishing fifth in the race and Ellison third.

But it was a dream weekend for Walker leaving Brand Hatch in third position in the championship with 31 points below team mate James Ellison with 32 points and leader Shane Byrne on 50.

Walker’s achievements over the weekend showed he has no intentions of slowing down and how more determined he is to get to a Showdown place - something he has never done in his career.

Walker said: “I am chuffed to bits, to lead part of race one was fantastic.

“It’s the incredible support from the fans that have kept me in a job. I owe everyone that cheers every lap a big thank you.”

Walker went to Oulton Park for official testing last Friday and carried on his success finishing third fastest.

Walker goes to Oulton Park this weekend to carry on where he left off two weeks ago at Brands Hatch.

In next week’s Chad don’t miss the chance to win tickets for the Donington Park round of the Superbikes next month.