Motourage

Long-time Kawasaki rider Chris Walker returns to the brand in British Superbike Championship action for MSS Colchester at this weekend’s challenging Oulton Park event.

Walker, who is remembered for his sterling rides and victories on Kawasaki machines in BSB and WSB, will stand in for the injured Simon Andrews on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

“Stalker” is seen as a hero to many Kawasaki riders and beyond as he completed two of his four British Championship runner-up rides for the marquee in 1998 and 1999 on the ZX-7RR. He cemented that reputation many years later, taking an incredible win in the wet from stone-cold last at Assen World Superbikes in 2006 for PSG1 Kawasaki.

However, Walker has had a difficult year this season running a shoestring budgeted privateer machine as he awaited news of a title sponsor which has not yet materialized.

Walker enthused, “It’s been a lot of fun riding my privateer bike so far this year with the help of Ray Stringer, but with our team sponsors still a week or two away from being announced, it’s been difficult. I have been offered a fantastic opportunity in joining Nick Morgan at the MSS Colchester Kawasaki team for a round or two while Simon Andrews is out with a broken ankle. It’s a ride I had chased hard for in the winter for 2010, so it’s great to actually get the chance to ride the ZX-10R. I have always had a good relationship with Kawasaki so I want to go out there and do the best I can.  It’s a factory that I have enjoyed a lot of success with over the years. I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead and would like to thank all involved, Ray Stringer, Nick Morgan, Kawasaki and my sponsors for allowing me this chance and making it all possible. Roll on Oulton!”

British Superbike team boss Nick Morgan added “It’s great to have the Stalker back in Green. We were very close to signing him over the winter and hopefully he can make the best use of this opportunity. It’s good for the team as he offers another perspective on the bike, and we know the bike is in a position where he can concentrate on racing it. It’s also great for the fans as he’s always been such a popular rider. Maybe we’ll see some green wins at Oulton!”

Michael Johnstone, Kawasaki Motor UK Sales and Marketing Manager added, “Chris remains in the hearts of Kawasaki riders even after all this time. His British Championship days were fantastic, and the Assen WSB victory meant a lot both here and back in Japan. We’re glad to have him back on Kawasaki machinery in the British Superbike Championship and wish him all the best. We would also like to wish Simon a continued speedy recovery from his injuries”