OCTOBER 28–MATT WALKER CHECKS IN

We just got off the phone with Matt Walker (which is usually an interesting conversation), and learned some interesting information while interrupting moving into his new house…



MXA: Matt, what’s up?



Matt: Nothing much, just moving into my new house.



MXA: Really, where’d you move to?



Matt: I’m still in the same town, I just moved down the street from where I used to live. I didn’t like the subdivision I lived in. Plus, this new place is closer to the tracks where I ride.



MXA: Have you been riding a lot lately?



Matt: Yeah, I’ve been riding a bunch. I just started getting ready for the Supercross season last week. The bike I have so far is really good, and I’ve been riding my 250 as well.



MXA: Who do you ride with in McDonnough, Georgia?



Matt: Just a bunch of local guys. They’re all weekend warriors. None of them are pro, because it costs too much to race pro, plus there’s no payback.



MXA: Ooh. Ouch! What bike do you think you’ll be on?



Matt: I know that Mitch (Payton) has a 250 four-stroke that is phenomenal, so I think we might be on them. Plus, with that lame new gas rule, the AMA is weeding out the two-strokes.



MXA: Which coast will you be on?



Matt: I’m going to race the 125 East, but I’m also going to race the 250 West. I haven’t ever ridden a 250 in Supercross, so it’ll be interesting. My bike is good, though. I just have the suspension re-valved, and the engine has been worked on. It makes like 52 horsepower. It’s fast, but really balanced.



MXA: Heard any James Stewart rumors lately? Which class is he riding?



Matt: Well, when I signed my deal, he was definitely going to ride the 250 class, but now he’s going to race the 125 East. Done deal.



MXA: Are a lot of riders jumping off of the 125 East ship?



Matt: I think a lot of them are, but the West is stacked. There are like five guys that have won a championship in the last five years who are racing. Nathan Ramsey has moved back to the 125 class, and I think Ernesto Fonseca might as well. As far as running from James Stewart, no one is on the same ball field as him. It’s not good to think that way, but it’s true.



MXA: What about your contract with Pro Circuit?



Matt: I just re-signed with them for two more years. By that time, I should point out of the 125 class.



MXA: Will you be running the number 30 again in 2004?



Matt: Nope, I’ve switched to the triple one. It was the only number available that looked good on the bike so that’s why I picked it But I never really liked anyone who’s had it in the past.