Chris Walker will make a welcome return to two-wheel racing for the first time in six years this season as the former Bennetts British Superbike Championship title contender joins the Ducati TriOptions Cup grid.

Walker is one of the most established names in BSB history and is eager to return to two-wheel action following impressive performances most recently in the British Sidecar series. The ‘Stalker’ last raced a Ducati in 2003, with podium finishes in GSE Racing colours in the Superbike World Championship, and is now looking forward to making his debut at the Silverstone official test next week, joining the 4T2 Racing team alongside Craig Currie.

Walker’s return to racing action comes after his Chris Walker Motorcycles dealership has recently joined the Ducati dealership network, with the Grantham destination featuring a tattoo shop, barbershop and a coffee bar in a relaxed atmosphere alongside the motorcycle showroom.

Walker said:

“My very first go on a Superbike was actually way back in 1995 on a Ducati! Steve Hislop let me ride it and so if it wasn’t for him letting me jump on it, then I would never have got the opportunities I did to race in BSB in ’96 and ’97, so it is nice how it has all come back around.

“I am a lot easier to live with when I am racing, which I didn’t get to do last year, and apart from the year when I broke my back I have never missed a year since I was 13. It is amazing to have this opportunity to race again, so I need to thank my wife Rachel for putting me up for it and thank everyone involved who has made this possible.

“I like to think I can still pedal a bike around, so I am looking forward to getting some testing under my belt so I can just build up the momentum during the season. I am genuinely excited to get back on two wheels again – nothing replaces the feeling of coming out of corner, like at Druids, where the front wheel is pawing the air and the rear wheel is spinning. It is an exhilarating feeling and I can’t wait to race one again. I want to start at a sensible pace and get faster; there are some really good riders in the Cup, so I am not under any illusions.

“Chris Walker Motorcycles has been open now for five years, as a destination for bikers and it is massive for us that we have now been able to join forces and get involved with Ducati. The announcement of our new partnership with Ducati, and to tie it in with racing in the Ducati TriOptions Cup is fantastic. One thing is for sure - if you can’t find me at a racetrack then I can be found in the dealership!”

Tim Maccabee, Managing Director, Ducati UK commented:

“It’s a real pleasure to have Chris Walker Motorcycles join the Ducati network. Ducati is a brand all about passion, history plus a good bit of racing history and Chris and the team are certain to fit right in. I’ve personally known Chris and Rachel for a long time and have been watching the progress of his Dealership for a few years now so when the chance came to team up, we had no hesitation. I’m sure customers are going to enjoy watching Chris in the TriOptions Cup every bit as much as they will enjoy visiting the Dealership to sample the Ducati and Scrambler ranges.”