Ollerton’s Chris ‘Stalker’ Walker secures back-to-back podiums at Silverstone in Ducati Tri-Options Cup

Ollerton’s Chris ‘Stalker’ Walker left Silverstone’s national circuit with two more podiums in the Ducati Tri-Options Cup, reports Paul Horton.

The 49-year-old bike racer dropped to third in the championship despite his top three finishes.

Free practice on Friday saw 4T2 Racing’s Walker 0.2 seconds off the fastest on track and hoping the rest of the weekend would be the same.

Qualifying saw him even faster topping 108 mph on Silverstone’s 1.64 mile circuit to take fourth fastest and a second row place for Saturday’s race one.

Walker knew race one was going to be close with championship leader Josh Day in front on the front row.

As the lights went out Walker made a terrific start and by the end of lap one, he was in third place.

By lap ten he was in second on the tail of Day and piling the pressure on him, but on the last lap Shoubridge had entered the frame and Walker settled for third.

In race two, Walker was on the front row and moved straight into second slot as the lights went out.

By lap six a battle between Walker and Shoubridge began before Sam Cox crashed out and caused a red flag stoppage.

Walker and Shoubridge were close during the six lap re-start dash but Walker was made to settle for third again.

“It’s been an amazing weekend,” said Walker, who is 55 points behind leader Day.

“We used a different tyre at Silverstone, so did some of the other teams. It made the bike feel different with more grip.

“They wore out quicker and the last few laps I had not got any grip and Shouey got the better of me. I am chuffed to bits with another good ride.”

There are four races to go with the penultimate races at Oulton Park (Sep 25-26) followed by the finals at Brands Hatch (Oct 16-17).

n Words and picture by Paul Horton.