If you ever take the time to realize how much effort, dedication and desire it takes to win a single championship in motor sports then you have to acknowledge the accomplishments, of Tom Walters. One day this Barrie Ontario driver will take his well earned place in the Canadian Racing Hall Of Fame. Walters continues to have a remarkable and storied racing career, love him or hate him he continues to keep on building a legacy. In 2005 Walters won the Barrie Speedway championship as well as the then prestigious Lucas Cup, to bring his championship total to 22 titles, add last years two titles and Walters now stands at 24 championships in total.

Looking at this season, Tom anticipates returning to Barrie on Saturday night and Kawartha on Friday's, but there is also a serious deal on the table to return to late model racing and run some of the big purse shows at Kawartha, Delaware, Flamboro and Sauble should they materialize again in the 2007 season. At the end of the day l don't really care l am a racer, l owe it to my sponsors and my fans to be the best l can be, so we will be racing as often as we can.

I asked Tom what was his secret to success, with a smile he said "there is no secret. This year l will be 57 years old and after Last years multiple back operations l honestly feel more like 27, l never take anything for granted but l am sure having more fun than ever. Racing in Ontario has never looked better, the Vortec program has helped keep the expense of running a competitive race car in check and my hat goes off to Brad Moran and Mark Dilley for bringing the concept into Ontario. Another thing that really blows me away is the 4 cyl racing, it is the new life blood of short track racing and it is fantastic to see so many new drivers and their families and friends having a great time, l hope that the Promoters and sponsors take the time to get involved with the kids because they are racings future. Look at Pete Shepherd, it makes you feel proud to be a Canadian racer, he has phenomenal talent. If we pay attention there are a few more potential stars coming up through the 4 cyl ranks. Kids with a pile of natural ability, that hope fully will not be squandered.

In the last 15 years Nobody in Canada has won as many top level championships, invitationals or features as Stompin' Tom Walters, Love him or hate him, good guy or bad guy the Ontario short track racing scene owes a great deal to drivers like him who have provided us week in and week out with some incredible excitement and memories along the way.