Published: Wednesday, 30th July, 2008 12:00
Trail-blazing motorbiker Sammi sets new records
By Jamie MacDonald
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Motorbike ace Sammi Tasker.
BREAKING records and blazing a trail in motorbike racing is nothing new for Sammi Tasker as she has been doing it since she was six-years-old.
The Clackmannan girl has recently been celebrating after becoming the first female to win a Formula 125 race at Knockhill and also becoming the first girl to win a race in the history of Kirkcaldy and District Motorcycle Club.
After years driving mini-moto and motocross, Sammi is currently In her first year driving the 125cc class.
Sammi told the Advertiser, “I was really excited to win at Knockhill. It was great to become the first female to win on a 125 there.”
The 13-year-old cuts an unmistakable figure on her bright pink Aprilla bike and her ambition is to build on her 125cc victory to become the first female to win the Scottish 125cc Championship.
However, it wasn’t instant success she enjoyed when she made the step up to riding a bigger bike.
Sammi said, “Earlier on in the season I blew up two machines in a month but I have got the hang of it now.
“My lap time has come down too, it was one minute 34 seconds but now it is one minute two seconds.”
Sammi added, “I hope to be faster next season as at the moment I am on a standard bike racing against people on tuned bikes set up specifically for them – although my dad had to modify mine so I could reach the brakes.”
Roaring around the track at speeds that frequently top 100 mph, motorsport doesn’t appear to be an activity for the faint hearted.
“If you know what you’re doing it isn’t too dangerous but it isn’t just yourself that can affect things, you have to trust the people you are racing with and know they are doing things properly,” she said.
“There are a lot of safety precautions and the medics at places like Knockhill and East Fortune are first class.”
Spending the weekend hurtling at high speeds around racing tracks is not the only way that Sammi likes to spend her time. She is also a black belt in tae-kwon-doe and one of the Lornshill Fusion Dancers.
However, as one of three girls to race in her class motorbike racing is her number one priority.
Sammi said, “I am happiest when I’m on my bike and I get on really well with everyone on the circuit.
“It’s the same people there most weeks and we all hang about together after the races.”
In addition to having friends on the circuit, the whole family normally makes a weekend of it during a race weekend.
Team Tasker is made up of mum and dad, Ann and Peter, and big brother Andrew.
Andrew is also enjoying success riding in the same division - although he plans to move up to 600cc next year - and both he and Sammi share a friendly rivalry.
Peter provides the mechanical expertise to tweak and repair the bikes.
The team is completed by Granny P and Sammi’s friend Stacey Solomon who usually are in attendance.
Ann said, “Sammi and Andrew are very competitive but they are also the first to congratulate each other when they win and are always giving each other tips on ways to be faster.”
She went on, “On race days it can be very busy especially if something goes wrong just before a race - then it’s all hands on deck to get the bike fixed and out on the track.”
It is an expensive business running and maintaining a racing bike, with race costs, parts and safety gear to be paid for.
The Taskers are grateful for the help provided by sponsors including the Clackmannanshire Community Chest, Jim Allan, The Sign Shop and The Motor Company in Alloa.
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