At 86 years old, Lorraine “Nan” Tuckett is redefining the burnout competition scene, proving age is no barrier to embracing a thrilling passion. For the past eight years, this great-grandmother has been a formidable presence on the track, competing as both a driver and a passenger in the adrenaline-fueled world of burnouts.
A Newfound Thrill After Loss
Tuckett discovered her love for the sport following the passing of her husband eight years ago. Seeking a new purpose and a way to stay active, she found herself drawn to the roar of engines and the spectacle of smoking tires. “I was hooked straight away,” she recalled. “I just love thrashing the ute until the tyres blow, and that sounds really good with the rubber and the smoke. It gives me a real buzz.”
‘Nan’s Dream’ and a Community Affair
Supported by her grandson, Guy, her entire family, and the wider Leeton community, Tuckett competes in her beloved Holden VY S pack ute, affectionately nicknamed “Nan’s Dream.” She has become a celebrated figure at the annual “Nan’s Birthday Bash,” a burnout competition held each June at Leeton’s Brobenah Speedway. This event attracts friends and family from across the country, who gather to celebrate her birthday with burnouts, fireworks, and a bonfire.
Taking Competition Seriously
Despite the festive atmosphere, Tuckett approaches competition with a serious mindset. “When you start off in the competition, you’ve got to get the tyres heated up,” she explained. “The more smoke, the more numbers you get to win.” Her competitive spirit is evident, as she proudly noted, “I beat Guy [her grandson] twice anyway, so I’m very proud of that.”
The sensory experience of burnouts is what fuels her passion. “I just love the smoke, the sound, the noise,” Ms. Tuckett stated. “That’s why I’m a bit deaf now, but it doesn’t matter – it was worth it.”
Breaking the Mold and Inspiring Others
Since her 80th birthday, Tuckett has been a regular at burnout competitions nationwide, forging new friendships and breaking stereotypes. “I know I’m the very, very oldest,” she admitted. “There are some 60 or 70-year-olds, but the majority are younger blokes, but they’re all accepting me into their mob. They just all love me being there, even me just being there to watch them too; they just love it.”
Her grandson, Guy Tuckett, played a pivotal role in her involvement. He found her knitting after her husband’s death and suggested a more active pursuit. “I said, no, Nan, you can’t be doing that – we need to go do some burnouts,” Mr. Tuckett recounted. “She needs to be out and about because she’s an ex-rice farmer; she’d drive an old Bedford truck for 35 years – the knitting just didn’t suit her character.”
Guy Tuckett has witnessed a remarkable transformation in his grandmother. “It’s incredible. I reckon she’s gained 10 years of her life,” he said. “At the start, it was like she was a bit shy, but now it’s just been pedal to the floor and nothing but. That’s how good she is now; she would be confident just to get in the car and go by herself – and her coordination is incredible as well.”
No Plans to Slow Down
Lorraine “Nan” Tuckett has no intention of retiring from the burnout circuit anytime soon. “It’s just a passion,” she affirmed. “I don’t know how long it will go for; I just hope a bit longer – I just love it.” Her dedication and enthusiasm continue to inspire those around her.
