WOW, WHAT
A RIDE!! I didn't know Duane Walker, Sr. during the mid '80's,
his first Glory Days. In fact, I wasn't even into racing at that time, I was
milking cows and raising kids. These days I work with Duane's sister Pam,
and she has filled me with some great, wild stories about those days... So,
during the season, I'm out at Lakeside, or local Dirt Track, sitting amongst
the Walker Clan and Fan group. After every race we head down to the pits -
the Walkers share their stories and beer - I just soak it all in. I had heard
Pam talking at work about her brother and nephew racing and I'd just assumed
that the Walker kids had grown up racing, since their parents, Ivan and Pauline
Walker, owned and managed Walker Automotive. I asked Pam about their first
car... "Mom and Dad went to Wyoming on vacation; Duane's buddy Rick had
a Chevelle, so the boys decided to turn it into a street stock. We stripped
the car in the driveway. Hauled off all the junk parts - it was all ready
for a roll cage. On Monday Mom and Dad came back - they're like 'no no no
no!' The car was parked by the shed, there it sat. Eventually it was sold
to Leonard Hill who raced it - we never got the chance!" It's very difficult
for me to conduct an interview with Duane Sr. - first of all, I'm way too
in awe of his driving talents, and second - I can't ever read my notes taken
in the pits! I know he was the 1982 Rookie of the Year (Riverside Stadium);
1985 and 1986 Modified Champion (Lakeside Speedway). I haven't asked why he
quit racing back then, I imagine Life happened. At any rate - I'm so glad
he started up again!
When he's not racing, Duane Sr. runs Walker Automotive - he took over when
his father Ivan retired for health reasons. Ivan passed away Jan. 14th, 2002.
I did ask Duane who his favorite NASCAR driver is - he said he doesn't follow
those races much. But he added that if he had to choose it would be Jeff Gordon.
Great choice - right Judy Kay? Duane Sr. did get my total attention and admiration
in Sept. of 2004, he was in line for Tony Stewart's autograph when Tony was
in town for the Kansas Cup race. Lakeside always has an awesome three nights
of dirt track races during the Cup weekend, and Duane gave Tony his card and
offered up his Modified for Tony to dive in the Modified Shoot-out - can you
believe it??? Tony Declined, he said his contract wouldn't allow it. That's
just as well, Duane Sr. always puts on a better show in his own ride!
SWEET RIDE! No Walker Driver page would be complete without info on Crew Chief and #1 Son Duane Jr.! I didn't know Duane Jr. in his drag racing days - too bad for me! Pam kept us supplied with info, pictures and t-shirts, she's quite the proud Aunt! In 2002 I finally got the thrill of meeting this Walker 'Young Gun' - Wow! Duane Jr. had already sold his drag car and the Walkers bought 2 modifieds, one for Sr. - one for Jr. Pam invited me out to Lakeside one weekend when they rented the track for practice , I've been a huge fan ever since. Two cars proved to be too much to keep up with, so Duane Sr. drives while Jr. sets up the car. He does an amazing job - that car is a rocket! After the races, down in the pits, we are treated to an animated, descriptive (at times x-rated) Jr. take of the laps, he doesn't miss anything relative to his car, or anything else that goes on in the dirt. It's also difficult for me to conduct an interview with Duane Jr. -I think his good looks distract me... Now would be a good time to mention his children Ty and Blake, these boys are Young Guns in training. They are adorable beyond words. It appears they have inherited their dad's gift of gab and passion for speed - when they are in the bleachers with us there is never a dull moment! When he's not racing, Duane Jr. works with his dad at Walker Automotive . I also ask Jr. who his favorite NASCAR driver is - he doesn't follow those races much. But he added that if he had to chose it would be Rusty Wallace. Interesting choice... I have already mentioned that Duane Sr. had offered Tony Stewart his modified for the races at Lakeside last October. Well, Jr. informs me that it was his idea - Cool! 3 Sisters has asked Jr. to give us a weekly article on his view of the previous race - and/or Walker history, both in Modifieds and Drag cars - as a fan I have asked him so many questions, he's answered them so well, but again, I get distracted and don't take very good notes. He talks so fast I couldn't keep up with him anyway - just like he drives - and lives! Personally, I think they all need to change their last name to Flyer - I've never seen any of them doing much Walking! OK Duane Jr. - put your money where your mouth is - here's your space for the Weekly Lakeside Update - from your informed, interesting viewpoint - Thanks in advance! - by NASCarla
LAKESIDE WEEKLY RECAP
- by Duane Walker Jr.
