Like a fine wine, Forster’s Ron Gallagher has only become better with age.
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The 78-year-old great grandfather recently took out the 2017 CAMS NSW State Hillclimb Championship for the 3J Improved Production 2001 - 3000cc class.
He competed in seven events across the season, winning six and placing second in torrential rain in Grafton.
The championship win has been a long time coming for Ron, who after waiting two years for an engine rebuild had the opportunity to get back behind the wheel of his beloved 1970 V6 Ford Capri.
Places such as Bathurst, Kempsey, Dapto and Canberra played host to championship rounds, where competitors competed in timed events around a track or up a steep hill.
“It’s so your car will not be damaged by another car,” Ron said.
Ron said no excuses should deter other older drivers from competing.
“How about some of you senior drivers steal your wife’s car or use your own, join a car club and come and try your skills,” Ron said.
“Imagine telling your children and grandchildren that you have driven at Bathurst instead of watching TV and getting old.”
The veteran driver is determined to continue until he adds a title that had eluded him – an Australian championship. Ron hopes the championships will be contested by engine size when it is held in NSW in 2019.