MINDEN man and Marburg Pacing Association member Tim Gillespie has returned from the 2022 World Championship for Amateur Drivers Centennial Race that was held in Rome.
Tim has been involved in the sport for 35 years and is regarded as highly experienced.
His home training ground is Marburg and he says he is proud to have represented his country.
Tim competed against other drivers from countries all over the world.
He was accompanied on the trip by his wife Debbie and they took the opportunity to visit tourist attractions in between race meets.
“I was absolutely blown away by the history and the old buildings as there is nothing like it here in Australia,” he said.
“The entire trip was 14 days.
“We spent two days in France, two days in Vienna and the rest of the time in Italy. There were many highlights like visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Prater Theme Park and the Schonbrunn Palace.
“On the first day I drove a horse called Angry Thor, at the Capannelle Racecourse where I finished up placing fifth.
“The next day was at Torino where I drove a horse called Begravia and finished up fourth, then on the last day I travelled to Firenze where I finished fourth driving a horse called Blancka.
“Throughout the racing experience I met many people and learnt many things that I will now apply to racing at home.”
Tim said the race tracks were not all that different to those found in Australia.
“But there were a few different styles of doing things.
“The one challenge I faced was a slight language barrier, but overall, it was an absolutely amazing experience.
“A total of 16 countries came together, each to represent their country and the comradery shared was fantastic.
“This was the first time visiting such an historic part of the world and I am very humble to have been given this opportunity by the Marburg Pacing Association and also Racing Queensland.”
