The Thunder Bike Series was Formed to Feature Four-Stoke MX Machines
In this week’s Throwback, we dial back the clock 26 years and see Spud Walters as he celebrates on the podium after Spud secured his second consecutive U.S. Off-Road Thunder Bike Series Championship with a dominant victory in the final round at Seattle’s Kingdome in March of 1999.
Riding for Team White Brothers/Yamaha on a YZ400, Walters overcame a season-long battle, finishing ahead of Chris Ridgeway and Chris Knox in the final standings. Despite missing the first two rounds due to injury—substituting Scott Myers under PACE Motorsports’ replacement rider rule—Walters claimed the title through consistent performance. The season saw three different points leaders: Todd Downs led early before an injury, Chris Knox took over until Round 9, but Walters’ late surge, including a crucial win in Phoenix where Knox faltered, sealed the championship. Walters’ perseverance and strategic use of the replacement rule ensured victory.
You can read about this race and much more by subscribing to the Cycle News Archives at: Cycle News Magazine Archives – Cycle News
