. Chris Walker "The Stalker" - w-sbk/moto gp motorcycle racing rider interviews

> DRIVER / RIDER INTERVIEWS:

I've been fortunate enough in the last almost 30 years to visit circuits and speedways around the world and in my travel I've bumped into motorcycle racers and racing car drivers from all the major world series. Here's the interviews for...
NASCAR Nextel Cup . WSBK . F1 . Champ Car / IRL Stars

Chris Walker - / 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?


Chris "the stalker" Walker waiting on his iron steed.
"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."

Piergiorgio Bontempi - W-SBK

Representing Suzuki on a #5 Zongshen Team - Suzuki GSX 1000R, this affable Italian says the Phillip Island Circuit is a favorite for the challenges AND the views. Read the exclusive grandprixcities Bontempi interview.

Pier Francesco Chili - W-SBK / MotoGP

What can I say? Yes, I met the legend himself. Fearless Pier Francesco Chilli says he is getting a little tired of traveling, but still looks forward to some great competition on world class circuits! I've been blessed to meet Famous Fast Folks (interviews) in my life but spending 30 minutes with Frankie was a thrill I'll never forget.

Troy Corser - W-SBK / MotoGP

Aussie motorcycle legend Troy Corser says he doesn't have time to be a tourist. He's too busy doing what he does - riding bikes!

Garry McCoy - WSBK / MotoGP

After the heartbreak of the 2003 MotoGP season, Australian legend, Gary McCoy talks, took a ride on the #24 Team XEROX Ducati, and spoke to me about the new itinerary that comes with his 2004 WSBK Ducati ride. In 2006 it was a pleasure to see him taking out the new Ilmore for another visit to Moto GP.

Jiri Mrkyvka - SS / SBK

Bike (#23 JM SBK Team - Ducati 988RS) & language problems meant for a short interveiw with the pride of the Czech Republic, Jiri Mrkyvka, but I did get a promise to follow up via an interpreter by email ASAP! INTERVIEW EVENTUALLY.

Gianluca Nannelli - SS / W-SBK / MotoGP

Italian racer Gianluca Nannelli who in 2003 was riding the #69 Team Pedercini Ducati, says he gets up to surf at 7am on the perfect March waters off Phillip Island, Australia. "Extra Cool!"

James Toseland - W-SBK / MotoGP

Factory Ducati whiz James Toseland reflects on his times traveling with his career. James went on to win the 2004 WSBK World Championship on his #52 Ducati Fila 999F04. Amazingly charming (and talented) individual.

Jurgen Van Den Goorbergh - SS / W-SBK / MotoGP

The young Flying Dutchman, Van Den Goorbergh is a verteran of many series in his young life. You name it, he's raced it across the many corners of the world, but the hardest to visit is his homeland, Assen, the Netherlands. Jurgen Van Den Goorabergh

Chris Vermeulen - SS / W-SBK / MotoGP

Young Aussie rider Chris Vermeulen is causing quite a stir, vaulting from SuperSports Champ to the front end of the big league world sbk in 2004 and onto MotoGP in 2006! Nice guy too.

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