Walczak mixes it with Isle of Man big boys

Known as the friendly races, the Southern 100 spans four days at the island’s Billown circuit.

A ninth place in the first race - the IOM Steam Packet Company Southern 100 - had already exceeded Walczak’s expectations, but better was to follow in the Petrochem Carless Fuels Sidecar Championship as the 63-year-old and passenger Andrew Miller guided their 600 Ireson Honda to sixth position from 17 starters.

“I wasn’t expecting to do well as the big boys were there,” said Walczak.

“Tim Reeves is three-time World Sidecar champion and was third in the Isle of Man Sidecar TT in 2008, while the Birchall brothers are also former world champions.

“I looked down the programme and thought 12th would be the best we could get.

“In the second race we were lucky as three of the top boys went out, but you’ve got to be in it to win it.”

Walczak and Miller recorded a best speed of 89.893mph on their final lap and despite his advancing years, the self-employed toolmaker says the duo will return to Isle Of Man next year to try and squeeze out those extra hundredths of a second.

“A new exhaust sytstem helped but there’s definitely more work to do,” he said.

“Realistically, 92mph is on the cards, but it difficult to find those extra seconds as the circuit is so bumpy.

“This year was my 28th year and I suppose at 63 I should be thinking about calling it a day.

“But once it’s in your blood it’s difficult to give it up and I’d like to get 30 years in.”

In addition to Walczak’s 90mph aim, he would also like to have one last crack at the Isle of Man TT.

Walczak took part in 2000 but failed to qualify and admits that a lack of funding and Miller’s family commitments may scupper any further involvement.

“I’d like to have another go but it’s a three-week commitment and you need at least three engines and a fair bit of money.

“Plus it means fitting around Andrew’s family commitments. He’s got a three-year-old and a six-month-old boy and, what with the Southern being four to five weeks after, would mean a month off work which he couldn’t afford to do.”

If you would like to sponsor Walczak and Miller, you can contact them by ringing Horst on 426733.