WALKER TO RACE IN WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR PAUL
BIRD
Paul Bird Motorsport wishes to announce the signing of British
rider Chris Walker to race for the Vent Axia VK team for the
rest of the 2008 Hannspree World Superbike Championship.
The 36 year old from Nottinghamshire will join existing rider
Gregorio Lavilla in the team for the remaining five rounds
commencing at Brands Hatch over the weekend of August 1/2/3rd.
Walker, four times a runner-up in the British Superbike Championship,
has been racing in the World Supersport Championship this
season but hasn't enjoyed the best of luck on his Kawasaki
so the rider who has 138 WSB races and twelve podiums under
his belt is relishing the opportunity of racing a superbike
again.
After a successful test at Oulton Park yesterday aboard the
team's recently built 1000cc Honda Fireblade, both Walker
and team owner Paul Bird were delighted to shake on the deal
which will see 'The Stalker' as the only permanent British
rider in the series.
"When I set off on the bike, it very nearly pulled my
wig off and it reminded me of just what I've been missing
in Superbikes!" said Walker. "It's a massive opportunity
for me and one which I don't intend to waste. Everyone knows
this team has pedigree and they build awesome bikes so I know
it will be competitive. I nearly signed for Birdy a few years
ago and didn't so now I'm really looking forward to working
with the team and also Greg whom I have a lot of respect for.
I love Brands and Donington and my aim is to give the crowds
something to cheer about so make sure you come along and support
me!"
Team owner Paul Bird commented: "Running
a second bike was always in the plan but we felt it best to
help concentrate on giving Greg the best package possible.
But now we have a couple of races at tracks both he and the
team know, the time is right to introduce Chris who like Greg,
knows his way round Brands and Donington. The plan thereafter
is to go to the final three rounds brim full of confidence
and get some results abroad that we know the bike and riders
are capable of. It's important for the organisers that we
bring a British rider to the series and I'm delighted to have
Chris on board."
Name: Chris Walker
DOB: 25/03/1972
Lives: Newark, Notts
2002: 9th World Superbike Championship
2003: 6th World Superbike Championship
2005: 7th World Superbike Championship
2006: 6th World Superbike Championship
WSB Stats:
Starts: 138
Podiums: 12
Wins: 1 (Assen 2006)
Seconds: 1
Thirds: 10
Remaining rounds:
Aug 1/2/3 - Brands Hatch, UK
Sept 5/6/7 - Donington Park, UK
Sept 19/20/21 - Vallelunga, Italy
Oct 3/4/5 - Magny Cours, France
Oct 24/25/26 - Portimao, Portugal
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