Stalker: Time was right for sidecar switch

After an illustrious career stretching back to his Grand Prix debut in 1995, many will question why the veteran racer is now choosing to move to three wheels for the twilight years of his racing career.

But to Walker, who has raced not only in British and World Superbikes but also in both 250GP and 500GP, the move makes complete sense, giving him the opportunity to sate his competitiveness on-track in a top level series while making way for the new breed of talent coming through.

“The reality for me when I first looked at it is that when I looked at my options for 2016, with there being half the number of teams in BSB running Kawasakis that there was last year – I would have always struggled to get on a competitive bike.

“I looked at the options, and I considered doing my own thing with the new ZX-10R – but when you look at the level of BSB – and the step up again it’s going to make next year with GBmoto putting in a million pound budget and Shakey on full-factory Ducatis. As a privateer, developing a brand new bike, it would have been an uphill battle.

“More importantly, there’s some young lads coming through the ranks now that deserve their chance. If the old guard never step aside, then they’ll never get that chance. I replaced Whitham when he went to World Superbikes; it’s a cycle.”

But while the deal may look like the former BSB runner-up is stepping back form the two-wheeled classes, he insists that his time in BSB is far from up. Ending 2015 on a bitter note after the collapse of the Be Wiser Kawasaki team, Walker is still hoping to finish off his incredible history in the series in style.

“I don’t want people to think I’ll never race a superbike again. I’d love to do a testimonial race, to finish off by waving goodbye and saying thanks to everyone. I don’t want my last ever race in BSB to be an eight place finish in Assen just because Tommy Hill and Alan Greig can’t add up some numbers.”

See Stalker and a whole host of BSB stars at this years MCN Carole Nash London Motorcycle Show on Feb 12-14. Advance Tickets are just £17