Jonny Walker: Going It Alone Q&A
By Press Release on 29th Apr 21
The biggest off-season rider team switch unquestionably came from Jonny Walker. After almost a decade with KTM, he shocked the Hard Enduro world with his change to Beta machinery.
Putting together his own team during the winter months, Vision Track Beta came to life. In what is sure to be the biggest test of his career, Jonnys performance at round one next weeks Extreme XL Lagares will tell Jonny, his competitors, and the wider audience if the move was a successful one.
But, if one thing is certain, its clear that when Jonnys got a spring back in his step, hes a ferociously fast and competitive Hard Enduro racer
With the opening round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship nearly here, have all the pieces of the puzzle, the building of Vision Track Beta, come together?
Jonny Walker: I think were there now with everything. As ready as we can be for round one. All the brands and partners Ive spoken with have come onboard to support me. Weve put a lot of testing in and plenty of track laps. Id like to have done a couple more races, but its not been possible. Im just looking forward to getting started now.
Has building your own team been a challenging and enjoyable process?
Yes! Ive always raced for a factory team, so as a professional rider Ive never really seen it from the other side. The factory life is an arrive and race sort of thing, but now Im more hands on. Ive total say in what Im doing and the products Im using on my bike. Ive enjoyed the process of speaking with companies and brands directly too. Theres been lots of phone calls, lots of emailing, but its come together really well.
Jonny Walker
You won the Endurocross race at Extreme XL Lagares in 2019. It would be pretty cool if you could win it again, first time out on the Beta!
Yeah, that would be cool, but being successful in the main event is the priority. I do enjoy the multi-race format aspect of Extreme XL Lagares though. If you can win an individual event, it gives good exposure. It would be awesome to put Beta on the top step of the podium and a great way to start off the weekend!
Unfortunately, there is no city prologue in Porto this year. That must be a bit of a relief after taking a swim there in 2019! But in all seriousness, will you miss that part of race?
Yes, it is a shame not to have the prologue in Porto this year, but understandable too. Its super cool and not just a highlight of Extreme XL Lagares, but of our sport because its so unique. I think my mechanic is the most relieved about it not taking place this year. He can stop googling how to waterproof a 2-stroke!. Like everyone, I hope the city prologue will be back for 2022.
Looking ahead to the entire season, what races will play to your strengths?
Theres been a lot of changes this offseason and so naturally Extreme XL Lagares is the biggest test to see how things have come together. Once those round one nerves and jitters are out of the way and were up and racing, Ill settle into it better. Red Bull Erzbergrodeo and Red Bull Romaniacs are big favourites for me. Im looking forward to them.
Is it good to finally have an FIM Hard Enduro World Championship to race for, a series that brings all the iconic races together?
Its cool to be under the FIM umbrella. Hard Enduro is such a big scene now, so its good to be properly recognised with every other motorcycle championship out there. But Hard Enduro is different too. Its special, unique and successful because amateur and hobby riders are such a big part of what we do. Were all in it together, if you know what I mean. Thats why its become so popular. So as long as that element remains unchanged - it doesnt become too elite, the tracks stay as they are, and the atmosphere stays cool - then who knows how much bigger things will get!
Jonny Walker
Past form shows you know how to race for a championship title - leading WESS in 2018 and third in 2019. What is the key to maintaining that sort of consistency across a full season?
Trying to be at the sharp end of the results every time you race is key for sure. As a rider I feel like Ive got a strong all-round skill set. My speed is good and Ive been trying to improve on the technical side of my riding as this championship is 100 per cent Hard Enduro focused. The goal is to win the title and become world champion. Thats what Id love to do and what Im aiming for. I feel like we can do it too if everything goes well and we get a little bit of luck along the way.
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