Local athlete qualifies for Amateur National Motocross Championships for 9th time

Jul. 23—As Brock Walker continues striving to reach his lifelong goal of joining the professional motocross ranks, he is in the midst of preparing for what he hopes will be a career-best finish at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships Aug. 1-6 at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Tennessee.

After all, Walker is no stronger to the national stage. This year is the ninth time Walker, of Joshua, has qualified for the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn — the most prestigious event in amateur motocross.

The 17-year-old Walker has been riding a motor bike in some form or fashion since he was 2 years old. His first official motocross race came when he competed in a 4- to 6-year-old division — when he was only 3.

Needless to say, motocross is a shared passion for his family. Walker's father, Brian, once rode professionally and owned a motorcycle shop, so he has grown up around bikes, in shops and on racing tracks.

And for as long as Walker can remember, he's wanted to become a professional motocross racer. More than seven years ago, when he was 10 years old, he told the Times-Review in a feature that his dream was to turn pro. And he's closing in on that dream becoming a reality.

"I'd say I've had a decent amateur career but the past seven months is really where I've been coming out of my shell and showing I have true speed to run up front in almost any race," Walker said. "It's awesome to be here. I guess being more mature, this is the first year I've been really determined to do what I need to do. I realize more what I need to do to go pro and that's what I'm working on right now."

Having a strong showing at the Loretta Lynn Nationals will be another step in that direction, as a win — or even top-3 finish — would go a long way.

To qualify for Nationals, riders first have to advance out of an AMA Amateur Area Championship and then place in an AMA Amateur Regional Championship. Walker — who currently rides in the B class, which is one step below the pros — not only qualified at regionals, but he took first place in the 250 B Limited and second place in the 450 B Limited June 3 in Conroe to punch his ticket to Loretta Lynn.

Even though this is Walker's ninth time to qualify for Nationals, he said there's no feeling of "been there, done that." In fact, it's quite the opposite.

"Honestly, this is the year I've been most excited because I'm going in with a lot better fitness shape and going in with a lot more confidence this year," Walker said. "I know I have a good chance of running up front."

While Walker, who has multiple state and national titles from a variety of events on his résumé, has experienced great success throughout his amateur career, finding success at Loretta Lynn Nationals has been a little harder to come by. Whether it's due to bad luck — such as bike problems or an unfortunate crash — or just by the nature of competing against the top amateurs in the nation, Walker's top finish at Nationals his previous eight trips has been ninth overall. He finished ninth in 2017 and ninth in 2020.

"I'm going in swinging," Walker said of his approach this time. "My goal is to definitely be on the podium but it would be really nice to win it if I can. Right now, I'm just trying to get my name out there some more, so that's what [finishing top-3] would really do. It would be a big benefit for my future."

While ninth place is Walker's top finish at Nationals to this point, he's had solid showings overall with seven top-15 finishes (out of 40-plus racers) in his eight appearances at Loretta Lynn.

"Brock is definitely gifted," said Arliss Walker, Brock's grandfather. "Brock is God-gifted. He's got a special talent for this. He works extremely hard. His goal is to be a professional rider. He puts in four days a week on the bike and he puts in three days a week in the gym. In any sport, it requires a lot of dedication to be the best."

Arliss Walker said he enjoys watching his grandson be passionate about motocross but also points out he's a special young man overall.

"My grandson is totally special to me," Arliss Walker said. "He's 17 years old and he checks on me every day. I don't know too many 17-year-olds that check in on their grandfather every day. We have a strong bond.

"I love every minute of watching him. I'm an old man and I don't ask the Lord for much but I do ask Him to let me hang around long enough to let me see my grandkids get their goals accomplished. If everything goes well and the main thing is to avoid injury, he'll start accumulating points in 2023 and at sometime in 2023 — if everything holds together and he's still progressing — he'll turn pro."

Nationals this year will also be special for Walker because he will be taking part in a high school graduation ceremony that is held at the end of the week. Several years ago, Walker started home-schooling because competing in motocross at the level he does requires frequent travel. And through On Track School, a popular online home-school for motocross athletes, Walker will receive his high school degree.

"This is really special," Arliss Walker said. "He's actually taken extra courses the last year-and-a-half and he's graduating a year early. His last semester report card, he made one A-minus and the rest of them were A-pluses. Pretty special. It's a big discipline thing. He's got certain times he's on the bike, certain times he's in the gym and certain times he devotes to school work.

"And, if you know his mother, school work is way in front of anything else. He's blessed to have a strong mother who is an RN nurse that makes sure he knows education is first. And like I tell Brock all the time, the chances of turning pro to make money are like 0.5% so therefore you better get that education."

Brock Walker said he's grateful to have such a strong support system that has allowed him to chase his dreams.

"Of course, my mom, my dad, grandpa, uncle — my whole family, really — have been there for all of it," he said. "Kelly Smith is my trainer and she does all my fitness and stuff. And Sean Hackley, Jr. is my coach for riding."

Additionally, Arliss Walker said they are appreciative to VP Racing Fuels for being one of Brock's biggest sponsors.

"We have tremendous backing in the Payne family here in Cleburne who owns three different companies," Arliss Walker said. "The Payne family has been supporting Brock now for four years. They own the VP Racing Fuel stations in town. We really appreciate the support. If it wasn't for their support, we wouldn't be here. We are very thankful for their backing. Some sponsors have been with Brock for 10 years. We're appreciative of everyone who has supported Brock through his journey."

Brock Walker's first race at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships is scheduled for noon on Aug. 2 in the 250 B Limited. His second race will be 9 a.m. Aug. 3 in the 450 B Limited.