New Year, New Team, New Bike, New Championship

"NEW SITE"

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WWW.WALKERTHESTALKER.COM

Happy New Year to all you Stalker fans out there!

Our man likes to keep me busy - with another move for the 2008 season, this time into World Supersport, you'll know that the design of the site needs changing, including  the colour scheme and sponsor details. I'm not complaining though, as it's a simple task for someone as talented as my good self (ha, ha), who's managed the site for Chris through the last 4 years of change!!

We can confirm that the trademark number '9' stays with Stalker this year and his Chief Engineer will be long serving pal, Paolo, from PSG-1.

As you know, Chris was busy with personal appearances and book signings, prior to the NEC Bike Show and since then has undertaken numerous tests, around the world, in preparation for the new challenge he faces. By all accounts these seem to have gone well and Chris is eagerly looking forward to his first race on Saturday 23rd February in Doha/Losail.

As usual, we will be providing you with regular news and updates on the site - if you have any ideas or suggestions for something new, then please do not hesitate to email me at trickyontour@ntlworld.com

Details of the 2008 fan club will be published over the next few weeks - the special membership photo has been chosen and Chris will personally be signing them shortly - so, as I always say - "watch this space".

Tricky

BREAKING NEWS! - I promised I'd let you know who Stalker was going to ride for in 2008 and here it is :- another Kawasaki ride, but this time in the World Supersport Championship for "Team GIL Motor Sport". They are based in Luxembourg and his new team mate will be Fujiwara.

After letting me know that he will be out on his new bike for the first time, testing in Spain, at the end of November, Chris said he was "well excited". No surprise, when his opponents include Jonathan Rea and Craig Jones, to name but a few. Watch this space again next year - it's likely to be another very interesting season!

Don't forget to check out the book competition section on the website - it's your chance to win one of three signed copies, of Stalker's Autobiography, for FREE!

Finally, if you're looking for a set of official Stalker stickers (featured below) for your bike, car, fridge door etc, just contact me directly at trickyontour@ntlworld.com and to steal a phrase, I'll "quote you happy"

Tricky

It can't have been the most comfortable weekend's racing for Stalker at Brands Hatch following a nasty tumble during practice before qualifying. As Chris managed a very noble 11th grid position, despite the pain, Race 1 saw him finish in 7th place, after a consistent and steady ride.

Race 2 was a two part race following an oil spillage on track, Stalker had risen to 8th position by the start of the second part and secured a 6th place finish at the end.

A 7th championship position for Stalker with 225 points in total as the 2007 season closes for the BSB riders.

Chris will not be riding for Rizla Suzuki next year and is seeking a seat elsewhere. As soon as we have any news about 2008, we'll let you know, however in the meantime, he may be available for weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs etc - after all, he's too young to hang up his boots and start stamp collecting!!!!

Tricky

In race 1 of the penultimate round at Donington, Stalker had his best grid position of the season. Starting from 2nd place, he took the race lead before the first bend and held this for 2 laps. He lost ground gradually as the race progressed but was the only Rizla Suzuki rider to finish the race - in 6th.

Another superb start in race 2, saw Stalker taking the lead again. A nail-biting race with Chris moving in and out of the top 4 throughout. Stalker only just missed the podium at the end of the day, finishing in 4th position. He now sits 7th in the championship with 206 points.

On a different note, for all the fans out there, Chris' autobiography will be available from November, (an ideal Christmas gift and a MUST for all you serial stalkers!) - so keep your eyes peeled on this website for more details!

Tricky

Oh the joy of SKY + ! Having successfully avoided 'phone calls and text messages (from great mates wanting to tell me the racing results) I returned from holiday to watch the action for myself.

I was surprised to see that Chris had qualified 10th on the grid but over the moon when he finished 8th in Race 1, helped along by Camier taking Rea out on lap 14.

Chris seemed to have a better start in Race 2 and, after an amazing series of "green lane" antics and "offs" by several riders, secured himself a 6th place finish.

I couldn't fail to notice that Stalker was a gentleman as ever, as he gave Haslam a lift back to the garage.

A good consolidation round for Stalker then, as he retains 8th position and increases his points to 183.

The next round is at Donington Park, Chris' home turf, on September 23rd - can't wait to see the live action!

Tricky

Firstly, best wishes and congratulations to our chap Stalker, following his wedding to Rachel on the 28th of July.

Now, back to racing; Chris qualified 9th on the grid at Croft due to his bike set up needing attention, and coupled with the fact that it had been some time since he'd raced here.

By the first bend, Stalker had moved forward to 6th place, finally completing Race 1 in 8th Position.

At the start of Race 2, Stalker's racing experience showed through as he read the signs and avoided disaster, as Tommy Hill went down in front of him. Chris lost valuable ground as a result however, pulling away in 10th.

Stalker had an off on lap 7 colliding with Harris, but managed to restart his bike and rejoin the race, clawing his way back to finish in 10th.

Overall points at the end of the day were 165 with 8th rank maintained.

The next update, from Cadwell Park will be delayed by a week as I'm off on my hols!

Tricky

Our first words and thoughts after this weekend go to Ollie Bridewell's family and friends - "our sincere condolences to you, at this difficult time".

The Racing

Once again, treacherous rain caused havoc this weekend at Mallory Park. So bad indeed, that there was no qualifying session to precede the racing and as a consequence, riders started on the grid from their championship position.

We witnessed trademark 'Stalker starts' and as a result saw Chris in 3rd position before the first bend in both races.

Chris held his advantage well in Race 1 and after battling with Haslam and Byrne, just missed out on a podium, finishing in 4th place.

In Race 2, Stalker had a 'moment' with Haslam but made a great recovery, staying seated on the bike. He finished Race 2 in 6th position, holding on to his championship 8th position but increasing his overall points to 151.

The next race is at Croft on August 12th - I'm sure Chris will be leaving that thought behind this Saturday as he marries fiancee Rachel. Good luck and best wishes to them both.

Tricky

Go Stalker, Go Stalker!!!

Chris qualified in 11th this weekend at Oulton Park. Despite torrential rain, he made it a Stalker Start, getting 4th position from the onset. He battled against Harris and Byrne then on the last lap, he overtook Haslam, securing his second podium of the season; finishing 3rd - outstanding riding in treacherous conditions!

Another great start in race 2, with Stalker riding in 3rd for a good proportion of the time. After running off into the gravel, he quickly re-mounted and moved rapidly through the competition going on from 11th to finish the race in 8th place.

Massive 'Shout Out' to the marshals for helping Stalker back onto the track.

Overall 8th position and 128 points as we move onto Mallory Park.

Tricky

Stalker broke through into treble points (104) after racing this weekend at Knockhill.

Chris qualified in 6th position despite changeable weather conditions, which continued throughout the weekend. Indeed, race 1 was shortened to 24 laps as the track became treacherously wet. He finished the race in a clear 5th position, evidently getting to grips with the Dunlop tyres.

After holding on to 5th position for most of the 26 lap, race 2, Stalker was passed by Shakey on the final leg, to finish in 6th position. Chris is clearly getting to know his Rizla Suzuki and this showed at Knockhill.

There will be 2 days of testing at Croft this coming week, before Round 8 at Oulton Park on 13/14/15 July. This will be the second visit this season to Oulton, meaning Chris can focus on his bike set up, rather than studying the track's format.

Let's hope the weather is better next time for the riders and fans alike.

Tricky  

Stalker faced one of his biggest challenges this weekend at Mondello. Not only had he never previously raced on this track but after practising and qualifying in the wet, race day itself loomed cloudy but dry.

From a 9th place start on the grid, Stalker sliced through the competition in race 1 to 5th position. As the race progressed, Chris lost ground to Lavilla and Harris, due to a lack of track knowledge, eventually finishing the race in 9th - well, it IS his number!!

The safety car came out in race 2 and as a consequence, as Chris puts it, he was "mugged". As if that wasn't enough, shortly after recording his fastest lap, Stalker ran off into the gravel. Fortunately he was unhurt and saved the bike from serious damage.

Let's hope he has a much better time at Knockhill.

Tricky

Today's racing at Snetterton, left Stalker even more determined to work closer with his technicians, to improve his bike set up and help him gain another podium, at the next round, at Mondello Park, in the Republic of Ireland.

Despite being quick of the mark and giving it his all, Stalker finished 9th in both races. His professionalism as a rider showed through, as he successfully completed each race, increasing his points to 76, thus ensuring he lost no ground in the championship rankings, maintaining his overall 8th position.

Chris will be testing at Donington Park next Saturday at the BikeFest UK event. Hopefully he'll iron out some of the issues he's faced and with the luck of the Irish on his side, we'll see him victorious at Round 6.

Tricky

Stalker struggled with his bike set up, Bank Holiday weekend at Oulton, and this showed through, when he qualified in a disappointing 13th position - unlucky for some?!

Despite being on fourth row of the grid, Chris made his trademark start and shot to 8th place before the first bend. He maintained the pace until after the fourth lap, when he lost the front of the bike at the chicane and landed in the gravel. His best efforts to jump start the bike failed, signalling the end of Race 1.

In Race 2, Stalker was uncharacteristically slow off the mark and as he later ran on at the chicane, pure determination drove him, to ensure history did not repeat itself, as he rejoined the race.

Having lost ground, Chris persevered to finish 9th in the second race, clocking up more valuable points (62 to date) and securing an 8th ranking overall. It's nail biting stuff as we go into the next round at Snetterton on the 18th, 19th, 20th May.

Go Stalker!!!!!

Tricky

What a weekend at Silverstone!!!!

Stalker battled his way through both races to improve his championship ranking to 7th, and increase his overall points to 55.

Race 1 resulted in Chris' first podium of the season. The team had clearly set up bike 2 perfectly for the track conditions: with a temperature of only 15 degrees, the right tyres were essential to support Stalker's determined bid for a result. Despite running second place on several laps, our chap finished 3rd, holding off Camier, who was hot on his heels.

Race 2 was halted on the 14th lap, as #22's engine blew up, spilling oil onto the track. Rea had only taken 3rd place from Stalker 2 laps earlier, who knows what the outcome might have been if the race had gone the distance?!

Next weekend, May Bank Holiday, will find Stalker racing at Oulton Park for Round 4 of the British Superbikes.

Tricky

Another hot weekend and two great "Stalker Starts" for Chris at Thruxton. He qualified 7th on the grid but moved to 3rd almost immediately the lights changed, in both races.

Stalker had to use bike 2 in race 1, due to a technical fault, but crossed the line a commendable 9th, increasing his overall points to 26.

He chose to run with bike 2 again in the second race, but dis-appointingly could not finish as the engine failed and his bike went up in flames on lap 4.

It's still early days and with a current 9th ranking; any-one's season. Chris will spend a day testing this week before preparing for Round 3 at Silverstone, 27/28/29 April.

See you there!!

Tricky

What a start to the season - superb weather and record-breaking crowds at Brands!!

After "Stalker starts" in both races, moving rapidly forward from his 5th place on the grid, Chris wowed the crowd with his riding ability and determination throughout. It was clear from the beginning that he was glad to be back in the UK and intended to give the competition a run for their money. There was excitement, nail-biting moves and plenty of action to please the fans. Stalker finished 5th and 8th respectively in races 1 and 2, achieving a total of 19 points and a respectable 6th position overall.

Stalker has laid the foundation for an awesome season of essential viewing, whether the fans make it to the circuits or watch from home, they're guaranteed NOT to be disappointed!!

Round 2 at Thruxton this coming weekend - bring it on!

Tricky   

Hi All,

Well, it's a New Year and a New Look for the website - had you noticed?! It's back to work for me (the wife has never been so happy!!) starting with the first round at Brands - Easter weekend - will any of YOU be there too?

If you can't wait until then, to see our man Stalker, make sure you're tuned in to Eurosport this Sunday for WSB coverage at Donington Park. Chris will be in the studio, commenting on his former rivals - that has got to be interesting viewing - would you dare to miss it?!!!!!

The 2007 fan club photo has been signed by Chris and is now ready for despatch (check it out below). The good news, for all you fans, is that we will once again provide the membership and image for FREE. 

1) If you are an existing member, simply send a SAE (cardboard backed, "DO NOT BEND" type) with 48p postage attached, to www.walkerthestalker.com PO Box 9, Nottingham, NG16 9AR. Ideally, it should be approximately 8"x 6" in size as the image is 7"x 5". If you could also put your existing membership number on the reverse, it would be most helpful.

2) If you wish to apply for membership for the first time, please follow the instructions in the "fan club" section on the Home Page (bottom right hand side). 

We still have a few 2006 web site merchandise items available and have decided to place these on www.ebay.co.uk on Sunday, 1st April. This will be a genuine sale and NOT an April Fool - so, to grab yourself a bargain, get logged on to their site, type in 'Chris Walker' and check out the gent's, ladies and children's wear, at discounted prices.

It seems like it's been a long winter - I can't wait to get back on it - see you at Brands.

Tricky