Walton surpasses goal aboard bike, wins crown

National Dragster, Oct 31, 2003

Division 7 - Motorcycle

NHRA SUMMIT RACING SERIES FINALS (Div. 7) - Kirk Walton has been racing for 25 years, competing in vehicles ranging from street cars to motorcycles. Though he has traveled to compete in various events, Walton has never had the opportunity to travel to an NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event to watch the action. In November, not only will he have the chance to watch his favorite Pros compete at a national event, but he'll also be a part of the race. Walton earned his trip to the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona and the NHRA Summit Racing Series National Championship when he defeated Joseph Smith for the Division 7 Motorcycle title.

"I'm more excited to just be able to go to a national event and watch because I've never even been to one to watch as a fan," said Walton. "So I'm kind of excited for that part of it; anything else is just a big bonus."

Entering the Summit Racing Series Finals, Walton's focus wasn't on winning. "My goal this year was to get past the first round because in the last three years I haven't gotten past the first round," he said. "I wanted to get at least to the second round and maybe win that one."

Walton achieved his goal when Tom Patterson broke halfway down the track, giving Walton the win. He then got the nod when Tom Lannie red-lighted, and in the quarters, a .050-initiated 11.87 (11.85 dial) lifted Walton past Marc Knight. In the semi's, Walton turned a huge .056 to .242 starting-line advantage into victory over Joe Silva.

After stopping Mike Butterfield and Roger Guerette Jr. in the opening rounds, Smith, who won the weekend's Race of Champions, used a .020 to .057 starting-line lead to trailer Leo Shaver in the quarters. In the semi's, Smith took a .027 to .097 lead out of the gate, which forced defending Pacific Division Kerker Motorcycle Series champion John Widmann to break out.

The final was a wild one with both Walton and Smith having trouble. Smith's troubles were greater, and that allowed Walton to coast to a 13.87 (11.85) victory.

"I ended up in the left lane, and I had been in the right lane all day," said Walton. "I got in the left lane and picked what I thought was a good spot. When I let out the clutch, the bike did a wheelie, then it turned to the left. Then I missed 2nd gear on the shift. I thought, 'Oh man, it's over now,' then I heard his bike sputtering and figured that if I kept in it, I may be able to pass him. I passed him, looked back, and knew he wasn't going to catch me. I just coasted through, thinking, 'I can't believe that just happened.'

"I want to thank everybody from Rocky Mountain Raceways, especially the racers who I race against all year long because they make it tough every week. When you go out of town, it makes it easier because you're used to tough competition. I also want to thank all my teammates who went to Tucson with me for their support during the weekend, and my sponsors, Jeff's Fleet Service and G&G Motorcycle Services."