196 days ago

Cromwell's oldest rev-head? 81-year-old former bus driver celebrating Lamboghini win

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

By reporter Sam Smith:

This might just be Cromwell’s oldest rev-head.

Ivan Fahey, a former volunteer bus driver at Highland Motorsport Park, will now be cruising round town in a 2014 Lamborghini Huracans following the win of a lifetime at the weekend.

The 81-year-old was at the park for the 10th anniversary celebrations where the car was being given away to mark the occassion.

The Lamborghini, which is priced at between $250,000 and $445,000, was used for hot laps at Highlands sister circuit Hampton Downs and can accelerate from 0 to 100km in as little as 2.9 seconds.

The two-seater luxury car was bought directly from Lamborghini by Highlands owner Tony Quinn and fitted with a roll cage for use in the road rally race Targa NZ.

Fahey says he is over the moon with his win and has a smile on his face that is permanent.

“I am not a winner of raffles, so this sort of thing doesn't happen to me, but this time it did,” he said.

Fahey is no stranger to motorsport, having been an avid watcher for over 60 years and a volunteer at the park where he claimed his victory.

“I drove their little bus ... I used to deliver spectators around the circuit to different vantage points and do town pickups and drop-offs,” Fahey says.

“I did that for about four, maybe five years. I have always been a supporter of Highlands because I see it as being a great facility for our town of Cromwell.”

Fahey owns two cars; a BMW 5 Series and a Suzuki Grand Vitara, but has no plans as yet to make his new acquisition his drive of choice.

“It will get used from time to time. I took it out yesterday. It was exciting. It was fantastic. It was very easy to drive. This car is unreal. The engineering means it is built to go fast.”

Fahey says his phone has been running hot since the win, with friends and family enjoying his win as well.

“They are pretty excited for the old man. A remarkable number of people have phoned me and sent me texts and messages.”

As for his new new-found fame? Fahey says he doesn’t think it is warranted: “I am just a country guy who's not used to all this attention”.

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Have you got your tickets yet?

Heart Foundation Lotteries

Don’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in stunning Papamoa, worth just over $1.1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or you can simply sell it! Get your tickets today.
Find out more

Image
7 days ago

Got a great recipe for grapefruit? Share it and win a copy of our magazine!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Hello neighbours, we're looking for delicious grapefruit recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's July issue. Send your family's favourite ways to use this citrus fruit to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Junel 30, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the July issue of NZ Gardener.

Image
7 days ago

Stand together in tough times

Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support

There's strength in community, especially when times are hard. Victim Support is here to ensure that nobody faces the aftermath of crime, suicide or traumatic events alone. But we need you! Bring your unique life experiences to the table and join us in meaningful work that changes lives.

By volunteering with us, you can make a real difference, helping victims stay informed, safe, and empowered. Volunteer today and do good in the dark times.

With heartfelt thanks,
The Victim Support Team
Find out more

Image