Competitor Profile - Celica Barry (Edit)

By Steven Rowlandson
Published 07-Jan-07 01:59 PM

Celia Barry's Vitara has changed a lot from the days of being her husband's work car to being a regular on the competition circuit.

With husband Eugene in tow Celia has competed in a number of four-wheel driving competitions, including the Ateco Warn Winch Challenge, Tuff Truck Challenge, the Willowglen Challenge, the Howes Valley Challenge - winning the women's section - and her favourite event, the Outback Challenge.

After joining the Suzuki club to try the car out offroad, Celia decided she wanted a challenge and began entering various competitions. She also wanted to show women that four-wheel driving isn't just a man's domain.

Celia says despite her friends thinking she's crazy, competing is great fun and she loves the friendships she's formed with other like-minded four-wheel drivers, although she - like most others - hates getting stuck and breaking important - and often expensive - parts of the car.

With Hilux running gear recently fitted to the Vitara Celia is keen for one more Outback Challenge and will also compete in Dave's Xtreme Winch Challenge next year. Other than that Celia and Eugene plan on being more selective about entering competitions and are hoping for more relaxing weekends away with the club.

Although there are no plans yet to replace the Vitara "war-horse" thoughts of a short-wheel base Nissan or a cut-down Hilux duel cab are in the back of Celia's head. The possibilities?

Competition Results

1997-01: Various placings - 4x4 Jamborees
Various placings - Suzuki Zukanas
1998: 2nd - AKF 4x4 rally
1998-99: Various placings - Battle of the states
2001: 3rd - Women's, Woodpecker Gully
"Best Drive" of the event, Woodpecker Gully
2002: 1st - Women's, Howes Valley Winch Challenge

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