By Trevor Jackson
THE Easter Cup race meeting at McNamara Park is always a big drawcard for various makes and riders.
Last weekend saw a young 18-year-old take to the track on a 1200cc Harley Davidson Sportster for a category known as the Roaring Sporties.
It was Tara Morrison’s first race meeting on the Harley and it had a big impact on her, along with the category itself.
“It is just my second time riding a Harley,” Morrison said.
“One of my dad’s mates let me borrow it to ride in the Roaring Sporties.
“They are all really great guys, they always give me a hand and help me with my bike.
“I love the Harley and I am trying to convince dad to get me one.
“I definitely want one now.”
Morrison’s father owns a bike shop selling the brand where they live in Adelaide, so there was little doubt she would find herself on board the American V-twin.
Several of his bikes were at McNamara Park for the weekend but Morrison said they were out of her depth.
“Dad’s Dynas are here but I’m not strong enough to carry a Dyna around a track, so I thought I’d give a Sporty a go,” she said.
“It is my first race on the Sporty and I love it.”
Apart from the Harley, Morrison also races a Kawasaki in the Supersport 300 category, which has provided much-needed experience before climbing aboard the Harley.
“I have been racing the Kawasaki for about a year but this is only my third race meeting,” she said.
“I started on a 250 then got this.
“I modify it for races and for track days I just leave it as it is.
“I’ve been racing since I was 16.”
It is not uncommon for racers to chase pure speed but Morrison finds the Harley provides her much more enjoyment.
She said while the Kawasaki was lighter and smoother to ride, it did not stack up against the Harley.
“With the Harley you have to adjust to everything,” she said.
“The brakes, the gears, the throttle, how heavy the bike is, the lines are different but the torque and the power of the Harley is the best part.
“Going down the back straight, it is awesome.”
Speaking to The Border Watch during the meeting on Sunday it was clear Morrison was impressed with her new ride and the category.
“I love the Sporty,” she said.
“But getting to ride with all these guys is great.
“Everyone who rides the Harleys are so chill and cool.
“My dad was riding Harleys ages ago so it is just good to be a part of it all.”
As for her pace and future plans, Morrison seems quite adamant about one thing – to race her own Harley.
“I am getting my lap times faster this weekend so now I want my own Harley,” she said.
“I am backing off a bit and not giving it all I have but if I rode my own Harley I feel like I could really push myself a bit more.”
At this stage Morrison said she was unable to ride a Harley on the road legally but hopes to change that soon once she gains her P plates.
For now she is content to have raced a Sportster at McNamara Park, one of her favourite venues to race at and after just a short time in the seat, there seems no doubt the Harley Davidson brand has left its mark on the young rider.
“My favourite part about the bike is just the power and the torque, getting out of the corners,” Morrison said.
“When I first rode the Harley a few weeks ago, I remember thinking there were 10 bikes backed up behind me.
“I looked back and it was just me riding around the track by myself.
“It is louder and heavier and just sick.
“I love it.”
