Mudgee’s Doug Barry claimed his third Mantic Clutch NSW Hillclimb Championship in 2018, expanding on last year’s success and victory back in 2012.
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Travelling the length and breadth on the state is a tough gig but once again, Doug had to battle against stiff competition which included multiple national champion Malcolm Oastler and a host of local specialists intent on a good showing at their local venue.
The year started in March with the annual Bathurst double header, where Barry in his trusty Lola F3000 had to give best to Oastler (OMS Suzuki) who was in top form, setting Fastest Time at both the Esses and Mountain Straight courses over the two day meet.
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Round three (Canberra) was more to Doug’s liking as he moved to the top of the points table and in the absence of Oastler claimed Fastest Time ahead of local driver Zac LeLievre (Westfield).
Ron Hay and regular Coffs Coast competitor Dave Morrow (Krygger Suzuki) slugged it out for third and fourth outright.
Into the month of May, and it was off to the old Pacific Highway near Kempsey and with Barry under pressure from local driver Darren Read (Hayward Suzuki).
Digging deep, Barry provided the perfect response – a new outright record and maximum points for the round.
Grafton was next with Queensland standout Dean Tighe setting the pace in his formidable Dallara/Judd V8 with Barry in second with Morrow and Hay next quickest.
Ringwood Park followed and Doug was again in good form and seemingly untouchable from the first run ahead of Dave Morrow.
The final round at Huntley Hill was another Barry affair this time getting the drop on local star Wayne Penrose (yes in a VW, but not as you’d know it) and Garry Ford who had travelled down from Lismore in his potent Escort V8.
The win cements Doug Barry as 2018 NSW Champion, to add to his trophy collection from 2017 and 2012.
At the final round Doug confided that the spirit of competition keeps him coming back as the other drivers keep raising the bar.
“The standard of the Championship just keeps getting tougher, now it’s a struggle to stay ahead of the Tin Tops” he added.
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