Alex abandons tilt at UK title

Alex Walker: hopes dashed by a lack of money

MOTORSPORT: HEARTBROKEN Alex Walker has abandoned plans to race in next season’s Certina Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship due to a lack of funding.

The Fortec Motorsport driver (16), from Shaw, caught the eye on his way to securing the runner-up spot in the InterSteps Championship.

Walker ended the campaign with a handful of promising Formula Renault displays and got the green light from team bosses to return in April 2012 for a full campaign.

But dad Alan revealed it is not financially viable without major sponsorship.

He said: “Alex is very down at the moment because he did so well last season and went close to winning the InterSteps title.

“He absolutely loves racing but having looked at the logistics, it simply cannot be done.

“The last campaign was expensive — we got through with a combination of our own money and the odd bit of sponsorship, which was usually £1,000 here and there.

“While that was always appreciated it does not come close to covering the costs of a full Formula Renault season.

“To enter the championship itself costs £225,000, with the rest of the expense consisting of test periods. We were desperate to see Alex race but there is no magic wand.”

Alan insisted his son has not given up on his dream of competing at the highest level and will keep himself in shape in case circumstances change. However, the teenager is facing up to season without a drive.

He added: “Alex does a lot of kickboxing, in which he is a black belt, and running, so he is a fit lad.

“Those activities were designed to keep him trim for the racing, but he will keep them going to avoid losing that special edge to his driving. If we find a solution maybe he can go into Formula Renault in 2013. We are open-minded.

“Luckily Alex is still young and has plenty of time on his side.”