With two dry practice sessions on Friday, fan favourite and sole Lloyds British GBmoto Kawasaki rider Chris ‘Stalker’ Walker focused on setting up his Kawasaki ZX-10R to another new circuit. Despite a torrential downpour Saturday morning during FP3, the high speed circuit dried out for qualifying and the Stalker showed impressive front running pace throughout the open two sessions, unfortunately a problem with the softer rear tyre in the all-important final session saw him unable to match his pace, eventually qualifying in ninth.

Despite his third row starting position for the opening race, Chris enjoyed a strong start to be running sixth into the first corner. Progressing through the pack during the opening stages he ran as high as fourth during the 20 lap race. Unable to close the gap to the leading trio, Chris diced with the chasing group, eventually taking the chequered flag in seventh.

By virtue of his fastest lap in the opening race, Chris started the second race in fifth place and row two. Running in the leading group, a red flag interruption on lap five saw the race re-started with Chris dropping back a place to start from sixth. Taking a now customary ‘Stalker’ start to the shortened 15 lap race, the ‘Old but Gold’ rider diced with the leaders in a tense five-man battle, eventually finishing in fifth place at the chequered flag. The result sees Chris Walker move to fifth in the Championship standings, tied level with Dan Linfoot. 

Race day also saw the team welcome ITV 4’s The Motorbike Show to Thruxton as presenter Henry Cole joined Chris Walker’s team to learn what it takes to be a Superbike mechanic. 

Chris Walker, “It’s been a bit of an odd weekend not having James in the garage here with us, but the team have been great and race two was brilliant to be dicing up at the front end. Particularly as I felt that in the first race I was just hanging on to the guys in front by the tips of my fingers – so full credit to the team for transforming the bike.

The main plan coming into Thruxton, a circuit that’s not my strongest, was to remain in the top six in the standings. We’ve certainly done that and although it’s a little gutting not to get a podium after running second I’m really pleased. It’s a tough place and we came here with no settings so I’m definitely leaving happy!”

Lloyds British GBmoto Kawasaki Team Principal Mark Smith-Halvorsen said, “This weekend has definitely been a good weekend for Chris and for his Championship, particularly showing his class in that second race. Thruxton is a quirky place and somewhere where we have struggled with not having any prior settings. That said, the boys in the garage improved the bike during every session and if we were going racing tomorrow then I think we’d be even higher.

We’ve all certainly missed not having James here this weekend, he’s doing really well though and impressing us with his level of recovery. We’re still not sure of a comeback date but we’re confident we’ll see him back out before the Showdown.”