Chris Walker impresses at Mallory Race of the Year

Raceline Photography
By blue2bikes
October 17 2006

The Race of Champions, held at Mallory Park last weekend, did not disappoint - with the main draw to the circuit being our very own Chris ‘The Stalker’ Walker.

Chris was returning to British shores riding a Rizla Suzuki, with a view to a permanent ride here in the British Superbike series, should his outing prove good enough to satisfy Rizla.

As previously reported, Chris left Suzuki after 2000 under not too good circumstances, and to be given the opportunity to return to the Japanese firm is quite an accolade to Chris’ ability as a rider and all round crowd puller.

Having secured a first win in the World Superbike series aboard a Kawasaki, and then being dropped by the team in favour of other riders, it has always been a dream for Chris to return to the British Superbike series - and as Chris has stated, “I have unfinished business in the British Superbike series, and it would be a dream come true to return and win it aboard a Suzuki.”

© Raceline Photography

Well, come race day and the morning’s practice sessions certainly had people on their feet. Jonathan Rea crashed out and injured his knee, putting him out of the race, and then Cal Crutchlow, the present 600cc British Champion and riding for Rizla Suzuki next year, fell at the same place as Jonathan - but luckily escaped injury. On his previous lap Cal broke the lap record for the circuit, previously held by Gregorio Lavilla.

Chris was just a fraction of a second behind Cal, and was looking good and well in control in the closing stages of qualifying - and the sun came out to provide the ideal conditions for the race.

As the lights changed, Chris roared out to lead the pack and never looked back - extending his lead lap on lap as the race progressed, leaving team-mate Cal to fight it out for second place with Virgin Yamaha rider Billy McConnell. Cal managed to overhaul Billy at the hairpin and take second place.

Chris crossed the line ahead of the pursuing pack, some seven seconds clear, and breaking the lap record held previously by Cal. Chris was jubilant at his win, as were the crowds - which I believe was an all time record for the Race of The Year.

It has not been reported officially as yet if Chris has indeed got the contract with Rizla Suzuki, but by his showing at the weekend, and not having raced at Mallory Park for six years, I would imagine that other team managers are lining up to sign Chris - should he not sign for Rizla.

I would imagine that a ride for Chris in the 2007 British Superbike season is not mere speculation any more after this showing, and we could see one of the best of British riders once again in our home series.