From 0 to 100: Townsville mother-of-three’s incredible racing rise

She’s not your typical motorbike racer, but one local woman is catching eyes for all the right reasons after a spectacular rookie season. Find out why she wants to see more women on the track.

Townsville mother-of-three Genaffer Zahra had a fantastic rookie season with the Road Racing Association of Townsville (RRAT) in 2023. Picture: Coolview00 Facebook page

Townsville mother-of-three Genaffer Zahra probably isn’t who you picture when you think of an enthusiastic motorbike racer.

But if you saw her flying around the track you’d quickly change your mind.

Since first taking an interest in riding motorbikes three years ago, 53-year-old Zahra has rapidly progressed to becoming one of the biggest rising stars at the Road Racing Association of Townsville (RRAT).

In 2023 she enjoyed a breakout rookie year, finishing third in the Townsville Tourist Trophy, third in the Johnny Moses Cup and third overall in the formula three class following the six-round season.

Formula three covers 300-400cc bikes, meaning Zahra was competing against some riders on more powerful bikes than her 300cc Kawasaki Ninja.

Townsville mother-of-three Genaffer Zahra had a fantastic rookie season with the Road Racing Association of Townsville (RRAT) in 2023. Picture: Coolview00 Facebook page

She said she initially took up an offer from the Townsville Sports Bike Club to come and hone her skills at the Manton Park Motorsport Precinct (DriveIt NQ) before taking the leap to racing competitively.

“I found a niche out there and I would say that I’m pretty good at it,” Zahra said.

“Every single time I’ve been on the track I’ve set a new PB – that’s every time, so I’m only getting faster.

“The track is the place to be if you want to hone in on your skills, not the streets of Townsville.”

Genaffer Zahra has also played Aussie rules for the past eight years, for both the Thuringowa Bulldogs and masters tournaments for the Townsville Sharks. Picture: Alix Sweeney.

Club members spent last weekend at the track doing a working bee and preparing the course to attain a higher license which would allow 1000cc bikes to race at the location just west of Townsville.

Then Zahra had a chance to hit the track for a test and tune.

“Our actual races start on the 16th and a lot of us have got new bikes or made little tweaks to our bikes, so we just want to make sure that they’re ready to race,” Zahra said.

“This year I’m racing a (Triumph) Daytona 675. So I’m waiting for this new licence to come out so that I can race the bigger bike.”

The RRAT has a large proportion of female riders and Zahra encouraged any curious women or men to get involved with one of the local clubs.

“I’ve seen lots of girls on the road, there is a multitude of motorcycle riders out there,” Zahra said.

“Hopefully people see that this thing is out there and they’re welcome to join. They’re called the Road Racing Association and we’d love to have you.

“It’s absolutely wonderful. People are there to help out and they’re all wonderful.”

Originally published as From 0 to 100: Townsville mother-of-three’s incredible racing rise