PWC: Walker open to senior management role

Derrick Walker, the former president of competition for the Verizon IndyCar Series, says he's open to filling a similar role with the Pirelli World Challenge series.

"The series asked me if I'd be a contractor to the series, so it was beneficial for me to go to the last race [at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca] to look at what role I could help with," Walker told RACER. "I went as a fly on the wall to view their processes, and provided a report on what I saw. Over the weekend, there was a big shift in the management, and the owners then had a meeting with me to see if I had an interest in joining World Challenge. They're showing me their long-term goals, showing me the business side, and helping me to understand where they're trying to go."

PWC appointed Greg Gill, its general manager, as its interim CEO after parting with Scott Bove. Walker, who resigned his post with IndyCar at the end of August, could be a valuable addition to PWC to lead technical director Marcus Haselgrove and the rest of the competition department. It's also possible Walker could be courted as Bove's permanent replacement.

"If talks continue, I would give them input on where I would direct the series," Walker continued. "I've never professed to be the magic bullet, and that I would come with all answers if I were to fill a senior role. If I decide to do it, I would give it my best shot, and in some sense, it would be taking care of some unfinished business. I definitely feel as though I have more to give to a racing series."

Along with his PWC discussions, Walker has been busy seeking sponsors, manufacturers, or customers to keep his Walker Racing sports car team involved in the sport. Walker's successful relationship with Falken Tire comes to an end on Oct. 3 at Petit Le Mans, and whether it's continuing in IMSA's WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, or running a program in PWC, he'd like to keep Walker Racing on the grid while taking a series-based role.

"The other thing worth noting is that I haven't given up on my team," Walker said. "I've had Phil Howard running the show for a while now, and he and the team have done an excellent job with the Falken Tire program. And with my recent responsibilities in IndyCar, we've found a good situation where Phil runs the team and that allows me to do work elsewhere; if I get the right deal set up with World Challenge, the team can run very well without me being there full-time, and as I've done the last two years, I'm there when I'm free and able."