ANYONE who believes the high-speed sport of motorcycle road racing is a men-only domain has not met Jen Badcock, Courtney McMahon or Karen Webb.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The three Tasmanian Motor Cycle Club members regularly mix it with the men and, in the case of experienced campaigners Badcock and Webb, often lead the way home.
McMahon started road racing in May this year after many years of motocross and has no intention of simply making up the numbers on the grid.
``I took up road racing because that's what dad does and it's a new challenge,'' she said.
``I'll race the little 150 for another year to get more experience and then probably move up to a 250 racer.''
Badcock needed help after Saturday's presentation evening to carry her silverware back to the car, after claiming the club and interclub championships for historic bikes from 251cc-500cc and the Robin Yates perpetual trophy for the women's road racing competitor of the year.
Webb also completed the double in her class, for historic bikes up to 750cc.
Badcock started racing a few years ago after helping her father, Hagley Garage owner Steve, for a couple of seasons.
``I thought I'd like to give it a go and it's been a lot of fun,'' she said.
``I think I'll stay with the bike I've got [Honda VFR400] for another couple of years before then maybe moving up to the 750 class, but I want to get better on the 400 first - I can't outride that yet.''
Webb has raced for 10 years, with a couple off, before a move from Victoria to Tasmania in 2011 and an upgrade from the CBR400 Honda to a 750cc Suzuki.
She said the men made no allowances for women in the races and she ``wouldn't have it any other way''.
Webb finished 11th from a field of 19 at the Phillip Island Classic in January and wants to improve on that at next month's event.