.gpc - chris walker interview
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Chris walker - SS / W-SBK / MotoGP
Chris Walker - Foggy Petronas - FP1 - World SBK 2004
I met Chris "the Stalker" Walker in the Team Foggy Petronas motor home behind the pits at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit during practice day ahead of round 2 of the World Superbike 2004 World Championship.
Chris had 15 minutes between his lunch and second practice and it didn't take too long for me to get a taste of the character that had become a legend in amongst the top ranks of his series.
Chris almost whispers when he talks, making you lean in to pay attention, and when he's done his best to answer your question his quick and wry sense of humour steps in to catch you off guard. But then that's not unlike the way he races his bike with much success.
Speaking of success, I though he might have an interesting take on the sudden surge of popularity bike racing has been enjoying in the world as Formula One falls to bits.
"As television coverage grows around the world, more people are likely to watch, and with that kids are likely to watch their dads watching the bikes, making them interested and begining a new generation of fans. Also its warmer these days because of global warming and people are getting out more!"
I laughed. I asked him if he thought bikes were inherently more interesting than cars, in particular Formula One, or was the 4-wheel series just having a "bad trot".
"Bikes are definately more exciting on TV, but if you go out to a Formula one track on a race day there's lots of color and spectacle and the saound alone of those things is reason for excitement. Still, we have much ore happening in terms of racing excitement and that's where I think the increase in popularity of bikes is coming from."
I must say that I've only ever been to one F1 race and that was a qualifying day and I only got in because Petronas sponsors the Foggy team and Sauber. I'm a bit annoyed though, because even I can't get passes to visit on a race day!"
I assured Chris that I'd hook him up with something when I was famous! "Somebody'd better soon!"
And does he make plans to stop on the way to one of his races during the year, to "smell the roses"?
"On the long haul races like Australia and Laguna Seca, I like to make plans to leave earlier and take some time, although I never used to. This year I'm making a conscious effort to spend time seeing some of the world with my girlfriend. We stopped in Malaysia on the way here, (Phillip Island) for example, with the sponsors Petronas, and that was fun. We had time to stop and see some sites, see some people that I hadn't met yet. Great. After this race we go back to Europe, to Misano and Monza and between those we're lanning to visit Rome and spend a few days at the beach in Rimini. Also on the way to Laguna Seca this year, we plan to stop in Las Vegas. I've never been there and I'm really looking forward to it. So, yes I'm definately trying to make an effort to take some time and really travel!
I asked if there was anything motorsport related that he'd seen in the United States
"I visited a drag track in Anaheim, I'd never been before. I sat in the grand stand and watched the events and was blown away!
It didn't take a heartbeat for Mr. Walker to tell me about his favorite motorsport Museum?
"The Donington Grand Prix Collection at Donington Park - the Senna display there made my hair stand on end! I was a big fan of his. Absolutely astounding tribute that I'd recommend to anyone.
And had he experienced races as a fan, in a pup tent?
Yeah, several times. Most notably at the Isle of Man and Assen when I was younger. But generally, to be frank, I find racing boring to watch. I wanted to do it, not watch it. Strange thing about Assen though, when I did go, there were more brits there than a t the british tracks! I mean, it was so easy to get there, and these days with the tunnel its even easier."
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