Race winner Walker hails 'dream weekend'

Fans' favourite Chris Walker was back on the top step at Oulton Park in Cheshire as he won his first MCE British Superbike race for 12 years.

The Pr1mo Bournemouth Kawasaki rider overhauled Shane Byrne in a weather-hit race two before pulling away in the difficult conditions to secure a coveted victory in the twilight of his career.

A thrilled Walker said: "At the beginning of the season I felt we'd perform strongly so to get a win so early in the year is simply brilliant.

"We had a really good wet setting which meant I could ride hard without overheating the tyres so fair play to all the boys in the team and it's thanks to them that I could take the top step.

"I've genuinely surprised myself with my pace this year but the rules are playing into my hands and with two more good top ten finishes, I couldn't have asked for any more from the weekend," he added.

"It was a long winter for me and a lot of people - friends, family etc - have dug deep to get me back out onto the grid so this win's for them.

"The team are brilliant and I'm enjoying my racing as much as ever so it's been a dream weekend."

Walker finished seventh in Sunday's race and ninth in the final race of the Bank Holiday meeting.

Pete Extance, the team's delighted owner, said he always believed Walker still 'had another BSB win in him'.

"What can I say, it's just been a brilliant weekend and I'm so thrilled for everyone connected with the team, especially Chris obviously.

"It's been a while since he's had a win but we all knew he had it in him this year, particularly in tricky conditions, and he was in great form all weekend.

"To get out first ever BSB win is an absolute dream and with two more good top ten finishes, Chris is now up to seventh and we aim to keep him up there for the rest of the year," he added.

"We've said all along our aim was to get him into the Showdown and there's nothing at all to alter that view so let's hope we can."