Nick Trask
Nick Trask: From New Zealand’s Backroads to the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Born and raised in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Nick Trask’s journey from a small-town mechanic to a world-renowned performance engineer and business owner is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and passion. Growing up in a hardworking, lower middle-class family, Nick developed a strong work ethic from a young age, determined to excel at any task he undertook. His father’s love for Harleys and dirt track cars ignited Nick’s own passion for speed and power, a passion that would ultimately lead him halfway across the world to pursue his dreams.
Nick’s early days were spent on the gravel backroads of New Zealand, pushing his Harley to its limits. But as his desire for speed grew, so did his ambitions. In 1997, Nick took a leap of faith, moving to the United States to attend the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) with little more than a suitcase and a dream. Alone in a new country and with no connections, Nick faced many challenges. His first job as an auto mechanic had him working in the blistering heat of Arizona’s parking lots, with no guarantee of a steady paycheck. But instead of being discouraged, Nick embraced the opportunity to learn, grow, and maintain his humility.
After just three years in America, Nick’s hard work paid off. He began building what would eventually become Trask Performance, one of the most respected performance brands in the motorcycle industry. With the help of his dedicated team, Nick brought turbocharging to the Harley world, making it a mainstream option for riders who craved power and reliability. Trask Performance quickly gained a reputation for innovation and dependability, earning the respect of the best in the business.
Nick’s story is living proof that the American Dream is still alive and thriving—but not without hard work. His journey exemplifies that success comes not from handouts, but from grit, determination, and the support of those willing to help along the way. Nick and his team at Trask Performance are passionate about the motorcycle industry, and they are committed to sharing their knowledge and helping others succeed. Inspired by the custom bike legends who paved the way—icons like Arlen Ness, Dave Perewitz, and Donnie Smith—Nick believes that anything is possible with the right mindset and work ethic.
When Nick learned he was being inducted into the prestigious Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame, he was overwhelmed with disbelief. “I didn’t think I was worthy,” he admitted. Standing alongside the icons of the industry forced Nick to reflect on how far he had come. From answering a simple ad in the back of Easy Rider magazine, to attending MMI, to now leading a globally recognized brand, his journey has been one of perseverance and triumph.
Nick’s success didn’t come without hardships. In the early days, he slept on the floor of his shop with nothing but his leather jacket for a pillow. He pushed through the challenges of building his own business, expanding Trask Performance from a small service and repair shop to a full in-house manufacturing facility that supplies Drag Specialties, one of the largest motorcycle parts distributors in the world, with Trask-branded products. His company survived an economic recession, the sudden loss of a partner, and a devastating fire that burned down their fabrication shop and inventory warehouse. Yet, through it all, Trask Performance emerged stronger than ever.
Reflecting on these challenges, Nick acknowledged that he and his team had rarely paused to celebrate their victories along the way. “We’ve been so focused on moving forward, we never stopped to celebrate,” he said. Being inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a moment of recognition and celebration for Nick and his team—a moment to honor all that they’ve accomplished.
“It’s the highest honor anyone could hope to receive in our industry,” Nick said, expressing his deep gratitude. “Thank you for the recognition.”
Nick Trask’s story is one of resilience, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. His journey from the gravel roads of New Zealand to the top of the American motorcycle industry stands as a powerful reminder that with determination, hard work, and a little help along the way, anything is possible.