Despite tricky conditions throughout the weekend at Brands Hatch, Chris Walker ensured the 2013 British Superbike Championship season ended on a high note for both himself and the Quattro Plant Kawasaki team with a trio of top ten finishes around the demanding Kent venue.
With rain showers making the ‘Triple Header’ final round extremely difficult for all concerned, Chris’ qualifying position of 15th wasn’t a true reflection of his pace and this could immediately be seen during Saturday’s 18-lap race. A trademark flying start saw the Nottinghamshire rider move into seventh place at the end of the opening lap and for the remainder of the race he was well in contention for a top five result. However, whilst he overhauled Lee Costello at one third race distance, Tommy Bridewell got the better of him shortly after and he had to settle for seventh place.
Sunday’s two 20-lap races saw even more rain fall but with far better starting positions, the result of his rapid laps in the wet races, Chris was able to challenge even further. Eighth at the start of the day’s first race, he was able to steadily move forward and, aided by the third fastest lap of the race, he took a brilliant fifth place at the chequered flag to equal his best result of the season. It meant he started the final race of the season from the front row and hopeful of at least matching his fifth place, something that he looked like he’d achieve until a major slide at Graham Hill Bend on lap seven forced him onto the soaking wet grass and dropped him down the order. In true ‘Stalker’ style, he fought back valiantly and was duly rewarded with ninth place at the end of an extremely challenging race.
With 27 points taken from the three races, it saw Chris end the year with a strong total of 168 points for tenth place overall in the Championship and fourth in the Rider's Cup.
For team-mate Barry Burrell, the weekend proved to be a much more different prospect and he struggled to get comfortable with the wet weather throughout all three days of the meeting. The Bishop Auckland rider battled hard to add some points to his Championship but ultimately had to give best to the conditions, a lack of grip and good set-up causing him to retire from all three races.
Pete Extance, Team Manager: "It was a great way to end the 2013 BSB Championship and for Chris to end the year with three, well-deserved top ten finishes, a front row start and 10th overall in the Championship is testament to all concerned. Sadly, Barry struggled with the conditions all weekend but did a great job since he joined the team in August. Congratulations to Alex Lowes and to MSVR for a fantastic Championship and a big thanks to all of our sponsors. Roll on 2014!"
Photo by Tim Keeton – Impact Images
