By SEMA News Editors
The performance aftermarket and motorsports industry are mourning the loss of an off-road pioneer. Walker Evans, 86, passed away on August 3 following health complications. A 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee and one of off-road racing's most decorated drivers, Evans was a five-time Baja 1000 winner and a 21-time championship title holder with more than 150 wins to his name. His legacy was forged behind the wheel and under the hood--collaborating with automakers like Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge, and later founding Walker Evans Racing, which became a vital supplier of performance shocks and wheels for the off-road and powersports industries.
Walker Evans was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2022. Hear from Evans as he recounts his early career and Walker Evans Racing.
Evans helped introduce off-road racing to mainstream audiences, competing in both long-distance desert events and short-course series across the United States, from Riverside, California, to Crandon, Wisconsin. He also played a role in launching NASCAR's Truck Series before returning to his off-road roots. His business acumen and passion for innovation influenced countless racers and entrepreneurs alike. Evans is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and son, Evan.
Evans lived for performance and pushed the limits of possibility. His contributions--on the track and in the shop--leave a lasting legacy for generations of motorsports professionals and fans.
Walker Evans was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2022. Seen here is the tribute video shown at the induction ceremony.
