Eugene Walker: The Gentleman Racer

   Some would say that Eugene Walker was your typical Southern Gentleman. Quiet and friendly, he was affectionately known as "Gene" by all who knew him. Born in 1893 in Plevna, Alabama, Birmingham was his hometown from a very young age. History remembers Gene Walker as one of the friendliest and most successful motorcycle racers of early 20th century. 

Gene Walker aboard his 8 valve racer, 1915

   In 1910, he got his first taste of motorcycles at the age of 17, on an Excelsior. That same year he began working as a Postman, delivering the Birmingham mail astride an Indian. Gene entered a 5 mile race at the Alabama State Fair in 1912. His 1st place finish attracted the attention of a local Indian distributor and racer named Robert Stubbs. Stubbs offered to train and coach Walker, in addition to supplying him motorcycles to race. It must've sounded like a dream come true to the young 19 year old. Gene left the Postal Service and went to work for Stubbs.

  Still racing as an amateur, Walker was soon out pacing the professional riders on the circuit. Turning pro in October of 1914, Walker began racing for the Indian factory team on boards and on dirt tracks. In July of 1915, he led the Indian team to it's first National Victory. 

Gene Walker (right)

  Racing was halted during WW1. The motorcycle manufacturers turned there attention to war efforts and many of the riders enlisted to serve their country. Gene returned to Birmingham Alabama and found work at the local Harley Davidson dealership. He kept his riding skills honed in local races, aboard Harley Davidson motorcycles.

  After the war ended, Walker returned to Springfield Massachusetts to work for Indian as a test rider, returning to the track when racing resumed in 1919. The back and forth battle between Indian and the Harley Davidson "Wrecking Crew" was at a fever pitch. With Walker at the lead, the Indian factory team achieved 6 National wins in 1919.

Gene Walker, Ormand Beach, FL 1920

  In the spring of 1920, Walker and fellow racer Herbert McBride were sent to Ormand Beach, FL to attempt several speed records. The machine supplied by Indian was a modified 61 cubic inch Powerplus V-twin, a side valve, or "flathead" engine. It had oversized valves for better performance and an increased number of cooling fins on the heads. Twenty four national and international records fell to Walker and McBride before the dust settled. Gene Walker and his Powerplus became the first to successfully complete an officially timed mile run at over 100 mph, setting the record at 104.12 mph (167.56 km/h).

               The "Daytona Engine"

  The success shown that day led to the modified Powerplus engine being known as the "Daytona Engine." Walker also made some passes on his specially race prepped 61 cubic inch 8 valve V-twin. The "8 valve" engine was an early 4 valve per cylinder design built solely for the track and powered Walker to a blistering pass at 115.79 mph (186.35 km/h).

Indian 8 valve racer

The 8 valve racer was very efficient and fast, but complex and costly to build, it would be the Powerplus sidevalve that would power the future of Indian on and off the track.

  In 1921, just a year after his record breaking runs, Gene Walker was scheduled to race in Dodge City, KS. Having some safety concerns, he refused, and was let go from the Indian team. For the next three years, Walker bounced between piloting Harley Davidson and Indian motorcycles on the track, still claiming victories. In June 7, 1924 Walker, on his birthday, was conducting practice laps on a dirt track in Stroudsburg Pennsylvania. Accounts vary, but most believe that he collided with a tractor that was too close to the track. He died on June 21, 1924 at the age of 31, leaving behind a pregnant wife and two daughters. Remembered for his kind, soft spoken ways, Gene Walker was mourned by many, both fellow racers and fans.