Considered the most highly regarded rider recognition award in Australian road racing, Walters became the 22nd recipient of the Samurai at a recent award ceremony in recognition of his success in the 2013 competition season.

This included dominating the ASBK Pro Stock superbike championships, winning the one-day Australasian Superbike Championship and finishing fourth overall in FX Superbike series. 

The award has previously been won by the likes of Troy Corser, Anthony Gobert, Anthony West, Broc Parkes and Mike Jones and Walters said he was absolutely blown away with the recognition. 

“It is definitely a big honour and something that I am very proud to have achieved,” he said.

Walters received the award at round one of the 2014 Australasian Superbike Championships opener at Wakefield Park. Here, Walters the defending champion had a disappointing race after a big crash in the first race left his Ninja ZX-10R a bit worse for wear.

He was then only able to secure precious championship points in the final race where he finished 19th.

“This is obviously not the start to the season that I envisaged or hoped for,” he said. 

“This is not our favourite track because the big horsepower of the Ninja ZX-10R doesn’t really suit the track characteristics but I was hoping to keep the bike on two wheels and come away with more points than I have. 

“Plus a lack of off-season testing really showed. 

“But I’m sure all the other guys will have a bad round somewhere along the way, I just need to put this behind me and come out strong at Mallala.”

Walters now has his sights set on round two of the championship series that will take place from May 16-18 at Mallala Raceway in South Australia.