By the time Chuck was 16, he had taken his dad’s drag racer out to a local speedway, and ended up leaving with a trophy. Throughout the years, his passion for racing led him to compete in races across the country, even coming in as runner-up at the 1998 US Nationals by just .002 second. Three years ago, Walker’s passion for racing led him to begin collecting diecast drag racing cars.
So far, Walker has managed to collect about 30 diecast drag racing cars, which he displays in glass cases around his home in Grand Rapids, Mich. He tends to spend anywhere from $25-$150 on each diecast he collects, and has purchased most of his collection on eBay. He can spend up to an hour a day collecting, especially during the cold Michigan winter months.
Walker’s favorite piece in his collection is a Keeling & Clayton front engine slingshot dragster. Walker saw the real dragster when he was younger, and recently found the diecast version on eBay. “I searched eBay until I found the Keeling & Clayton at the right price. It’s a great recreation of an earlier car,” says Walker.
Walker also prizes his 1/24 scale Kenny Bernstein car. “This car is my favorite because I really liked him when he was racing. I would like to find a 1/16 scale Bernstein,” says Walker. “I’ve been searching on eBay, and hope to find one at a good price. eBay is the place to get diecasts at the best price, period!”
From one generation to the next?
Walker’s daughter Michelle began racing when she was only eight years old, and now races a junior dragster. She also uses eBay to collect diecast cars. Michelle’s favorite racer is Tony Schumacher, which is why her favorite diecast is her 1/24 scale Schumacher dragster that she purchased on eBay.
“I race a super comp dragster, which is powered by a 540 cubic inch big block Chevy. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in about one second,” says the elder Walker. “Michelle’s car is a smaller version of my car and is powered by a Briggs & Stratton replica engine. Michelle has raced her car since she was 8 years old.”
Michelle grew up at the races and would rather spend her vacation time there than the beach or the mall, unlike other girls her age. "I love to go to the races, and I can't wait to drive my dad’s car in a couple of years," says Michelle. Although Walker doesn’t think he’ll be ready to give up his car by then, he is very happy that he has been able to share his passions for racing and collecting with his daughter.
Supplied by:
Professional Marketing for eBay
