Career shifts often come from unexpected decisions. That's exactly what Australian drag racer Read has experienced, as he makes the switch from a door car to two-wheeled racing. The move came after he purchased the proven bike formerly campaigned by Gavin Dohnt, and he will test it at the Sunset Nationals, round three of the 2026/2027 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Series, on September 19-20 at Davison Ford Sunset Strip in Mildura.
This will be Read's third ANDRA weekend on two wheels, following his debut at last season's Grand Finals. Despite still adapting, his enthusiasm is clear. "I am looking forward to the Sunset Nationals – this bike is fairly new to me with only having a handful of passes on it, and this will be the first time at Mildura with it," he said.
Read's decision to buy Dohnt's bike was not without reason. "I have always wanted to race a nitro Harley, and when the opportunity came up to buy Gavin Dohnt's bike, I thought this was a good opportunity of doing it," he explained. That long-held desire finally found its path.
The switch from car to bike has brought its own challenges, especially in throttle control. "It has been a big change and learning curve," Read admitted. "The biggest learning curve has been getting my brain to hold the throttle wide open, and letting go of the clutch and staying wide open." Old habits from car racing still linger, and he must fight instincts built over years.
For the Mildura event, Read is not chasing a specific result. Instead, he is treating the weekend as a data-gathering exercise for the season ahead. "I am looking forward to being more consistent," he said. His plans include contesting most rounds of the Regional Sportsman Series.
Read also credited Gavin Dohnt for both the bike and his ongoing help, along with Dave Willis and wife Katrina. "Hopefully we can one day soon win an ANDRA Christmas Tree in Competition Bike," he hoped.
The Sunset Nationals will offer ANDRA Christmas Trees and championship points across 10 brackets, with a Test 'n' Tune scheduled for September 18. Event info is available at www.sunsetstrip.org.au.
Read's story is a testament that in the world of racing, a change of direction can be the start of an exciting new adventure. With team support and determination, he is ready to conquer the Mildura strip and prove himself in his new class.
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