Four-times runner-up in the British Superbike Championship, Walker qualified the ZX-10R just 0.04s off the front row for the first 20-lap race, and a great start saw him running well in the top five. However, he was in trouble almost immediately with his clutch and he was forced to pull into the pits on just the second lap. He rejoined the race and posted a lap that placed him 17th on the grid for the second race where he was involved in a 7-rider battle for 12th throughout. He eventually finished in 15th for an extremely hard-earned point.
For team-mate Hillier, competing at his local circuit, he was disappointed to have only qualified in 28th place but two strong and determined rides saw him move significantly through the field on both occasions. Unlucky to miss out on the points in the first race after finishing 17th, he battled with round 1 race winner Alastair Seeley in the second and eventually got the better of him to finish in 20th.
Meanwhile, fresh from his 23rd place at Brands Hatch, Kyle Wilks was forced out on the opening lap of the Metzeler National Superstock 600cc Championship.
Picture by Tim Keeton - Impact Images
Speaking later, a disappointed Walker said; "It's been a long day and having shown a lot of promise throughout practice and qualifying, it's hugely disappointing to come away with just one point. We couldn't have done a better job in qualifying and were rightly looking forward to the two races but the clutch trouble in race one put paid to that. We then had to use a harder tyre in the second and it didn't work for me as I would have liked so we'll just have to put it behind us and look forward to Oulton."
Picture by Tim Keeton - Impact Images
Team-mate Hillier commented; "I'm really pleased with how I rode today and although I didn't manage to get in the points, it's been a good days racing for me. I struggled a bit with my set-up during qualifying but we had good pace in both races and I was able to move forward significantly, finishing considerably higher than where I started. Like I say, I'm pleased with my riding but with the field being so strong, it's not reflected in the results. I need to work harder in qualifying though to give myself a better chance as it's hard work coming from a long way back."
Pete Extance, team owner, added; "It's been a tough day at the office and having qualified so well ending up with just one point is hard to swallow. I'm gutted for Chris as he deserved better but there was nothing he could do after the clutch problems. He battled extremely hard in the second race and did well to stay on after being hit on the first lap and it was certainly a hard earned point. James battled very well and did a great job in beating Seeley so he can be pleased with two very, consistent performances. All we can do is put today behind us and regroup fitter and stronger at Oulton."
The team now have a well-earned three week break with the third round of the BSB series taking place at Oulton Park, Cheshire on May 5-7.
Phil Wain - Freelance PR
