Warrant Issued For Walker's Arrest

It appears that former NASCAR and Sprint Car driver Tyler Walker has finally run out of legal rope.

Utah Fifth District Judge Eric Ludlow issued an arrest warrant for Walker yesterday, citing a series of delays that have seen his drug and alcohol possession case stretch through a total of 13 hearings, without a plea being entered.

In January of 2013, the 34-year old Walker was arrested near St. George, Utah, after leading authorities on a high-speed chase through in Utah, Nevada and Arizona at speeds topping 140 mph. His black BMW was stopped only after police laid down spike strips to flatten its tires, and when police searched the vehicle, they discovered methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and an open bottle of vodka.

Walker and passenger Raelle McDonald were arrested on multiple charges including evading, possession of amphetamines, marijuana and narcotic equipment, driving under the influence of drugs, open container/drinking in a public place and a liquor license violation. His bail was set at more than $18,000.

Walker was supposed to be sentenced on November 19, but his attorney said paperwork outlining a planned “consent to plea” agreement had yet to be received. Judge Ludlow agreed to delay the case yet again – this time until Dec. 2 -- but warned that there would be no further postponements. The St. George Spectrum reports that he failed to appear again yesterday, with his attorney claiming that Walker had sent him sent the wrong plea agreement.

Ludlow then issued a warrant for Walker's arrest, saying, “The court has been more than fair to Mr. Walker (and) my patience is well beyond thin.”

Walker was suspended by NASCAR in 2007 for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy and has never reapplied for reinstatement. He ran 28 races in NASCAR’s Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series between 2003 and 2007, with a best finish of eighth in a NCWTS event at Martinsville Speedway in 2007. He has competed primarily in Sprint Cars since then, but has made only sporadic starts in the last two years.