Via NWSLMS

Wenatchee, Wash. (May 8, 2019)–Scott Walker, returned to racing on April 27 in the Northwest Super Late Model Series Leonard Evans 150. Despite an early exit due to an engine failure, the driver of the No. 100 Ford Mustang was simply happy to be part of that evening’s activities.

Working through a lengthy layoff from competition, Walker wondered if getting behind the wheel again would ever happen. Working on the family farm and his concentrating on his health, the popular Prosser, Wash. native focused on needs unrelated to the sport he loved all while maintaining a continued interest in auto racing.

Walker is quick to point out that he tried other routes to peak his interest in the need for speed. The drive to be successful on the race track also fueled a desire to return to the series.

“I'd have to say that I missed the competition and the challenge of making a car faster than everyone else. There's so much time and money that goes into being fast that it becomes very rewarding when you’re able to put it all together and pull out the win. I've tried over the years to substitute the passion I have for racing whether it be riding Harley's, playing golf or other things but none of those would replace the adrenaline rush of being behind the wheel of a race car.”

The rush has been fulfilled in a union with 2015 Idaho 200 champion, JC Wofford. With both men balancing family and work commitments, a partnership was formed that benefits their competitive juices.

“I was talking with JC about how I missed racing and that I was ready to get back behind the wheel, although I thought it would be behind the wheel of a Northwest Ford Focus Midget,” Walker said. “Over the last couple of years, I’ve really come to admire sprint car racing on the dirt as the thrill of that seems to be unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I figured the Midget series would be a good place to learn how to race on the dirt.

“About a week after having this conversation with JC he called me up and offered me partial ownership in his team. I thought about it and decided I couldn't pass the deal up, as I've never had the opportunity to drive a racecar of that caliber. Neither one of us are points racers at this stage of our lives so splitting the seat time seemed like a good way to go.”

While the Leonard Evans 150 was short-lived for Walker and his team, running well in the Apple Cup 125, a race held at his home track, is his goal for this weekend.

“It would mean a lot to be able to compete for an Apple Cup win, especially after blowing up an engine in Wenatchee two weeks ago. Yakima Speedway is also considered a home track for myself, JC, and BJ Tidrick (crew chief) so when we can get a win at Yakima it always means a little more than winning else where. I was fortunate enough to have a decent amount of success back in the day, but it would feel more complete if I was able to add an Apple Cup or Fall Classic win to list of accomplishments.”

Getting his Ford to handle the tricky half-mile will be key, Walker added.

“I'd say the biggest key to success at Yakima is just about like any other track, rotate the center well and have good forward drive low off the corners.”

Yakima Speedway’s 52nd Annual Apple Cup 125 is scheduled for Saturday, May 11. With the event having been postponed from early April due to inclement weather, the weekend’s format has now been condensed to a one-day show.

The race marks the second points event on the 2019 season for NWSLMS teams and drivers. Ticket and other information can be found at yakimaspeedway.us

The Northwest Super Late Model Series is the premier regional touring Super Late Model series in the Northwest. The series has many valued sponsors including Hoosier Racing Tire, McGunegill Engine Performance, Port City Race Cars, AR Bodies, Joes Racing Products, Penske Racing Shocks, Accelerated Graphics, Five Star Bodies, Longacre Racing Products, Wheel Chill, KRC Power Steering, Atomic Screenprinting and Embroidery, Franks Racing Radio, BLP, Jefferson Pitts Racing, Leonard Evans Used Car Super Store, The Ti Company, and Pacific Steel Structures LLC. For more information on the series visit www.nwslms.com or on Facebook or Twitter. To contact the series please email northwestsuperlatemodels@gmail.com