Walker Racing to shut doors

Walker Racing will close its doors unless adequate funding for the 2005 Champ Car World Series can be found, according to its owner. Derrick Walker, who founded his own team for the 1991 season after a long stint at Penske Racing, has admitted that its 14-year streak in the series could come to an end unless he can find a suitably funded driver. The Indianapolis-based team ran Mario Haberfeld in 2004, but the former British Formula 3 champion is still in the process of finalizing his budget. “It’s not over yet but it is looking pretty bleak," said Walker. “We’re still trying to find some money and we’ve run some guys who needed a test to try and sell sponsorship. Right now there are 17 or 18 cars on the grid – and we’re not one of them."

Despite the money worries, Walker will test again at the Fontana road course this week when Haberfeld christens its new Lola chassis. His hopes received a boost last week when his father sold his packaging company for £130 million. “He [Haberfeld] is still trying to put a deal together," said Walker. “It’s as tough as it has ever been to find money, but obviously some guys are finding it." Haberfeld said: “I expect to announce my 2005 plans by the end of next week. My expectations are pretty high for this year, since I’ll finally get to drive a Lola." For full story buy Autosport Magazine