Okay folks,

Here we go again. Mr. Delroy Walters has been a mainstay on the track scene for as long as I can remember. He is a multi-National champion and World champion in all the disciplines. He has weathered the bad times out at Kissena with me, is one of the only ones left out there who remembers what happened, and can talk about it with me. He has always been there for me when I’ve needed him. He is helping Ms. Murphy run the children’s program by giving his expert knowledge and fatherly guidance to the needed as well as the not so needed. Let’s hear what he has got to say…

Enjoy Campocat.

 

@##=#<5,r>@##=#JC Delroy tell us where this love affair with the two wheels started? How did you get started in racing? Was there anyone special you looked up too, or was there anyone special that helped you get started? By the way it was so nice to see you last night at the roller races, I just wish we would have had more time to spend together, but I had to do my PR work. It never ends, one of these days they’ll be wheeling us to the indoor Velodrome somewhere in the NYC area, and we will sit and watch the new crop fight it out on the wood while telling stories of our exploits. 

DW Before I begin, I just want to say how much I appreciate you. You have spent unselfish time with me motor pacing, making sure I am prepared for my races, and for this I will be forever grateful. I will always be there for you, just say the word. Okay lets rock! To answer your question, I guess it started with my Dad. He was a track rider, but the person who inspired me the most was my eldest brother. He was a professional track cyclist and the public would place bets on them. It’s the type of racing they do in Japan. He used to take me training with him and his pro buddies. As a youngster I thought this was real cool and wanted to follow in his footsteps. That is how I got started. 

JC I know you have a pretty cool Colnago road bike, so, you at one time or other road raced either here or back home, correct?

DW Actually, it is a really cool Eddy Merckx not a Colnago. Anyway, we did not have road racing back home during that time, only track racing. Oh yes, I did some road racing here back in the day. I raced at Central Park, Old Westbury Collage, Prospect Park, some out of state races and even Floyd Bennett Field. My last road race was in 1998, a club race, in Prospect Park. Unfortunately, I got entangled with a dog and got injured in the race. That’s when I decided to concentrate on my track racing, which has paid off big time for me.

@##=#<4,L>@##=#JC And thank goodness for all of us you did. When did you start coming out to Kissena and who were the hotshots back then?

DW I started coming out to Kissena back in the late sixties and early seventies. Some of the guys I recall competing against in those early years were Jerry Jerome (the barber), Patrick Gellenue, Mike Walters, Mike Robinson, Harvey Nitz, Clarence Ballard, Sal Donna, and of course Big John Campo, with his pony tail, to name a few.   

JC Holy smokes! I had a pony tail? You and I have seen some people come and go partner. I think in recent memory Vince Oliver and Kirk Whiteman were two National champions that we could be very proud of. I’m so glad you are steady as a rock, and we have seen our beloved track come back from the dead. You remember the video tape I made to raise money 6 years ago with you, Blissit and Coach Charlie Jennings? Did you ever think we would get this place in shape, and have the programs going we started?

DW At the time it seemed far-fetched. As you know with God all things are possible. What the mind can conceive you can achieve. You were the driving force. I am just fortunate and honored to be a part of the process.

JC It wouldn’t mean a thing without you and all the people that come here to race, train and do all the things that it take to make a velodrome. How was it meeting Lance with the kids? Man that is one elusive dude when it comes to me. I finally get invited to meet him, and I’m in California training, and the people I was staying with in LA were up in Sheryl’s house with him just before I got there. I can’t win.    

@##=#<2,R>@##=#DW Meeting Lance was an incredible experience. He is a real nice guy, but the real joy was seeing him riding with the (my) kids, with all that TV coverage. It gave me goose bumps, I am sure that this experience will be etched in their memories for a long time, as it will be in mine.   

JC I know how you feel. I call them my kids too. I guess I missed my chance to meet mellow Johnny? Tell us about the triple wins at Nationals?

DW Winning the triple gold and a silver at Nationals, 2000, was overwhelming, to say the least. I had no idea I could have accomplished such a feat at one meet. 

JC I wish I would have gone that year, oh well…  Tell us about the Manchester track and winning the World Championship?

DW The Manchester track is a 250-meter wood track, indoor, with 42-degree banking. It is a very intimidating track. In previous years, starting in 2000, I won a couple of silver medals, but to win gold in 2004 and become a World Champion, especially for me in the sprints was most satisfying. Also, standing on the podium and hearing the National Anthem was truly thrilling.   

JC That is an experience not many people get to have. No one deserved it more that you. What do you want to accomplish in the future?

@##=#<3,L>@##=#DW I would like to concentrate on the 500-meter time trial to try to establish a new record, whether at Nationals or at Worlds. That would be a great accomplishment for me.

JC I hear you are coaching someone new? A hopeful sprinting prospect. Who? What? Do you see the Olympics in his future?

DW I am sure you have an idea, but I can’t mention any names at this time until the program gets going. However, if they are really serious about putting in the work, then, the sky is the limit.

JC This one is for you Del.  Don’t be shy, say whatever is on your mind, and I want to thank you for being the greatest friend and racing partner anyone could ever ask for. You have worked tirelessly on my beloved children’s program and have made it a success. You have helped me when the times get raggedy and someone is needed to step up and take charge. You are my rock, so let’s rock partner!

DW Thank you Big John for believing in me and having me on your team.