[coverattach=1](9-24-09) BAKERSFIELD, CA - Randy Walker’s dream season got that much sweeter this past weekend in Fontana, CA.
Walker ran through the field from the pole position to claim his fourth PSCA Pro Street win in five consecutive final round appearances this season and now looks to carry that success over into this weekend’s West Coast Hot Rod SCE Gaskets West Coast Finals in Bakersfield.
Walker piloted the Walker Autoworks ’74 El Camino - a full size car that was once street-driven - to an incredible 6.269 elapsed time at over 222 MPH during the final round of qualifying to put himself into the number one qualifying position heading into Sunday’s eliminations. The run was another career best and the quickest in PSCA history for a nitrous-assisted machine.
“That run was simply incredible” said an amazed Walker. “My brother, Duane, and our consultant Charles Carpenter have this car running at an unbelievable level. It was over 100 degrees during the day and it was still very warm when we made that pass.”
From there, Walker looked to move through the Pro Street field, but also had an ulterior motive.
“We wanted to run quick enough to backup the 6.26 and secure the record,” Walker said. “Charles and Duane went to work and instead of putting in a safe and reliable setup, we were going for it in round one.”
Unfortunately, things didn’t work out as planned for the team but they were still able to get around Jay Syverston with a 6.474. “We missed the clutch call on that one,” Walker admitted. “But my crew was able to determine what the problem was and we put it all together in the quarterfinals and made another nice pass.”
That pass was against veteran west coast Pro Mod pilot John Scialpi and his Whoppado ’57 Chevy. Scialpi’s 6.601 was far behind Walker’s 6.339 as the team regained their form and looked to keep the consistency going into the later rounds.
Once again, a tricky clutch bit the team in the semi-final round, but as a result of being the number one qualifier, the team was on a bye run and still picked up the victory and headed to their fourth consecutive final round.
There they would meet 2008 Pro Street champion John Mihovetz and his turbocharged Mercury Cougar. Walker took the starting line advantage and powered through for the win, posting a 6.477 as Mihovetz shook the tires early and was forced to lift.
A humble Walker was elated in the winner’s circle, but remained focused on the upcoming races scheduled for the Walker Autoworks team.
“We’re going to enjoy this, but not for too long,” said the Palm Desert, CA native. “We’ve got a full slate of races ahead of us to round out the season, and we’ve got a shot at two championships. We’re going to remain focused and continue to work on keeping this thing in the low 6.30s consistently.”
Walker extended his points lead over Clint Hairston in the Hughes Performance Pro Street points championship with just two races remaining, the biggest of them being the season-ending Chris Alston’s Chassisworks Street Car Super Nationals V held at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on November 19-22.
Next up for the team is the WCHRA World Finals at iconic Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield. Walker also holds the points lead over Hairston in the WCHRA.
“Clint has been finding his combination lately, but like us has struggled to find his consistency a little bit,” Walker admitted. “We’re both in the same boat: we can run fast but need to do it more consistently. I think it will come down to a battle of who can get that consistency first.”
If Walker is able to hang on and secure either championship, it will be his first since 2001. If he is able to claim both titles in the same year, it will be unprecedented, and will surely go down as one of the most dominant seasons in Pro Street history.
Walker Racing Group would like to extend a special thanks to RC Construction Services in Fontana, CA, Walker Tucson Properties, Charles Carpenter, Derrick Lamb & Lamb Components, Lenco, Goodyear Tires, Joch at True Carbon Components, and Inland Driveline.
Walker Racing Group is actively seeking primary sponsorship for 2010. For more information, please visit Walker Racing Group.
Walker ran through the field from the pole position to claim his fourth PSCA Pro Street win in five consecutive final round appearances this season and now looks to carry that success over into this weekend’s West Coast Hot Rod SCE Gaskets West Coast Finals in Bakersfield.
Walker piloted the Walker Autoworks ’74 El Camino - a full size car that was once street-driven - to an incredible 6.269 elapsed time at over 222 MPH during the final round of qualifying to put himself into the number one qualifying position heading into Sunday’s eliminations. The run was another career best and the quickest in PSCA history for a nitrous-assisted machine.
“That run was simply incredible” said an amazed Walker. “My brother, Duane, and our consultant Charles Carpenter have this car running at an unbelievable level. It was over 100 degrees during the day and it was still very warm when we made that pass.”
From there, Walker looked to move through the Pro Street field, but also had an ulterior motive.
“We wanted to run quick enough to backup the 6.26 and secure the record,” Walker said. “Charles and Duane went to work and instead of putting in a safe and reliable setup, we were going for it in round one.”
Unfortunately, things didn’t work out as planned for the team but they were still able to get around Jay Syverston with a 6.474. “We missed the clutch call on that one,” Walker admitted. “But my crew was able to determine what the problem was and we put it all together in the quarterfinals and made another nice pass.”
That pass was against veteran west coast Pro Mod pilot John Scialpi and his Whoppado ’57 Chevy. Scialpi’s 6.601 was far behind Walker’s 6.339 as the team regained their form and looked to keep the consistency going into the later rounds.
Once again, a tricky clutch bit the team in the semi-final round, but as a result of being the number one qualifier, the team was on a bye run and still picked up the victory and headed to their fourth consecutive final round.
There they would meet 2008 Pro Street champion John Mihovetz and his turbocharged Mercury Cougar. Walker took the starting line advantage and powered through for the win, posting a 6.477 as Mihovetz shook the tires early and was forced to lift.
A humble Walker was elated in the winner’s circle, but remained focused on the upcoming races scheduled for the Walker Autoworks team.
“We’re going to enjoy this, but not for too long,” said the Palm Desert, CA native. “We’ve got a full slate of races ahead of us to round out the season, and we’ve got a shot at two championships. We’re going to remain focused and continue to work on keeping this thing in the low 6.30s consistently.”
Walker extended his points lead over Clint Hairston in the Hughes Performance Pro Street points championship with just two races remaining, the biggest of them being the season-ending Chris Alston’s Chassisworks Street Car Super Nationals V held at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on November 19-22.
Next up for the team is the WCHRA World Finals at iconic Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield. Walker also holds the points lead over Hairston in the WCHRA.
“Clint has been finding his combination lately, but like us has struggled to find his consistency a little bit,” Walker admitted. “We’re both in the same boat: we can run fast but need to do it more consistently. I think it will come down to a battle of who can get that consistency first.”
If Walker is able to hang on and secure either championship, it will be his first since 2001. If he is able to claim both titles in the same year, it will be unprecedented, and will surely go down as one of the most dominant seasons in Pro Street history.
Walker Racing Group would like to extend a special thanks to RC Construction Services in Fontana, CA, Walker Tucson Properties, Charles Carpenter, Derrick Lamb & Lamb Components, Lenco, Goodyear Tires, Joch at True Carbon Components, and Inland Driveline.
Walker Racing Group is actively seeking primary sponsorship for 2010. For more information, please visit Walker Racing Group.
