2004 Inductee
Walker Evans
Simply one of the best off-road racing drivers ever, Walker Evans would always captivate and dazzle the fans whenever he powered his desert truck to the start line. Throughout his thirty-five year career, he has been applauded for his exhilarating racing skills and his informal, gentlemanly manner.
Evans felt right at home in the cockpit of his race trucks – where his performances earned him the nickname, “The Legend”. It’s no wonder that this driver has become so admired and respected by so many. With 142 victories and 21 championship titles in short-course and desert racing events, Evans is one of the most accomplished competitors in the sport of off-road racing.
“I got my first sample of racing when I drove a Rambler sedan in the Baja 500 for actor James Garner’s American Motors Team back in 1969, explained Evans. “I took a third place finish, and knew I had to get serious about desert racing, so I built my own vehicle, and began competing.” After winning the Baja 1000 five times in other specially built vehicles, Evans became the first driver in off-road racing history to win that grueling event overall in a truck. His other multiple desert victories include well-known races like the Mint 400, the Baja 500, the Parker 400, and the Fireworks 250.
“We were always trying to build better equipment and make the trucks go faster and faster,” said Evans. “It was always a challenge – both the competition and the elements of Mother Nature. No two races were ever the same.” As technology advanced and equipment improved, Evans continued to expand his horizons by competing in the (now defunct) Mickey Thompson Stadium Series, the SODA Series (Short- Course Off-Road Drivers Association) and the COOR Series (Championship Off-Road Racing). He was one of a handful of off-road drivers to join the NASCAR Truck Racing Series when it was formed in 1994.
Evans took his first SODA career win at Lake Geneva, WI in 1986. His record includes two Class 8 (2WD trucks) titles (1994, 1995), three overall victories, and 31 class wins.
Walker Evans Racing continues to innovate, offering an extensive line of retail products to consumers.
