Walker signs for Sprockets.

Swindon Speedway announced today that 23 year-old Badminton based rider, Simon Walker, will ride for the Pro-fit Sprockets in 2003.

Walker moves to Swindon full time after gaining valuable experience with Newport and Swindon in the Conference League and Conference League Trophy respectively.

With both teams declaring they will ride in the full league this season, Walker was unable to continue riding for both and a decision had to be made.

Walker has therefore decided to make the switch to Swindon, where he feels confident he can continue to improve under the watchful eyes of Peter Oakes and Kevin Hawkins.

"Although it was I who initially chose to ask for the switch, Swindon have welcomed me with open arms," claimed Walker. "I would like to thank the management and supporters from both tracks and do not wish to lose touch with those at Newport.

"I realise that I still have a lot to learn when it comes to riding speedway, and still have one or two old motocross habits to kick," he added. "However, I hope that by riding on a large circuit it will give me some extra chances to try different things, until everything clicks into place."

Walker has shown his commitment by dedicating most of the winter to his cause and purchasing a brand new tuned engine. He has also been a frequent visitor to the gym under the guidance of a professional trainer and nutritionist.

Walker made his debut for Newport Mavericks in a Conference League match at Sheffield on 16 July, 2001, scoring a paid 3 points from four starts. He was to ride in 7 league matches for the Welsh side that year, netting a total of 13 race points for an average of 2.22.

As previously mentioned, he represented both Newport and Swindon in 2002, his league record with the Mavericks being 16 matches and 65 points for an average of 4.70.

Walker made his Conference League Trophy debut for the Sprockets at a home match on 18 April, gleaning 2 points from three outings in a 39-54 defeat. He went on to represent the club on five occasions, recording 21 points for a 5.33 average in his spectacular leaning style.

Simon also has Premier League experience, having represented Arena-Essex once early in 2002, and made some late-season appearances for Trelawny.