Tasmanian Modified Bike racer Shane Walker will be hoping for crowd support of a different kind at this year’s Nitro Champs as he continues to promote the plight of one of his home state's most iconic symbols, the Tasmanian Devil.
Walker is utilising his travel to Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship rounds to promote the Save the Tasmanian Devil Fund and take donations for the research into the deadly facial tumour disease that is devastating the Devil population in the wild.
Several quarantined areas have been set up in Tasmania and in various zoos across the country in an attempt to maintain one of nature’s true marvels. Research carried out by the University of Tasmania, in conjunction with a multi-disciplined team across the globe is making headway into understanding the causes and control of the disease, including a vaccine.
Naturally none of this research comes cheap, and Shane and his partner Alexius are trying to do their bit to help.
“You can help by making a donation in our pit area or contacting the fund directly via email Devil.Appeal@utas.edu.au or their web site www.utasalumni.org.au,” Walker said. “Following on from the fantastic support Adelaide race fans provided, we are hoping Sydney race goers will dig deep to help raise much needed money for the fund.”
The team will have Tassie Devil stickers for the kids, information pamphlets for the adults and kids can enter a draw to receive one of a strictly limited number of caps or a Tassie Devil soft toy to give away at the Nitro Champs.
Walker can be found in the Modified Bike pit area. The Nitro Champs will be held at Sydney Dragway from May 3-5.