LEETON'S Lorraine Tuckett is living proof it's never too late (or too early) to live out a dream or try new things.
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Mrs Tuckett, who turns 81 this year, has recently taken up the art of burnouts.
No, she's not out on Leeton's roads tearing up the bitumen, rather she's enjoying competing at events such as the Brobenah Burnouts and other competitions.
She was first invited into the pits at the Brobenah Burnouts by her grandson, Guy Tuckett. He soon told her she would be hopping in the car with him at the event and going for a spin.
"I said, no, 'I can't do that', but then I thought 'yes, I'll do it' and they haven't stopped me since," Mrs Tuckett said.
"I had never done a burnout until then. We've been to many different competitive events in the area.
"We call the vehicle we use 'nan's dream'. We do it as co-drivers.
"Last competition, I got the licence for the day and did it myself. I blew six tyres."
Mrs Tuckett, who spent many decades with her late husband Jim growing rice on their property at Murrami, said having such a thrilling hobby now was what kept her going.
Prior to taking up burnouts competitively, Mrs Tuckett had tried her hand at other adrenaline-fuelled activities such as motorcycle riding and skiing.
"I think Jim would be very excited by all of this ... he had an ultra-light plane he flew, so I think he would be thrilled I'm doing it," she said.
"I've got 36 grandchildren and many great grandchildren as well, but through all of this I have gained a new family as well.
"Everyone here in Leeton who is part of the burnout community, they are just so nice. We're one big family out there."
Mrs Tuckett has recently gone viral with videos of her doing the burnouts in the controlled environment attracting thousands upon thousands of views.
You can watch one of the videos by searching "80 year old nan does killer burnout" on Youtube.
"I've learned a bit more about it now and the skill involved," Mrs Tuckett said.
"It's a real skill, but I love doing it. It's great fun and always gives you a big smile. It's never too late to start up a new hobby or something you want to try."
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