E49 Charger 1973 ATCC Ian Geoghegan

Ian Geoghegan drove a Chrysler E49 Charger in the 1973 Australian Touring Car Championship. Despite Geoghegan’s best efforts, it was difficult to keep up with the factory backed cars, as Chrysler was no longer supporting the Charger race programme after the ‘Supercar Scare’ controversy that arose in 1972.
It put an end to the ‘muscle car’ and was the reason Chrysler Australia chose to pull out of racing.The E49 was the most powerful six-cylinder production car at the time, but it “lacked development” and small problems would force Geoghegan to retire his car 5 times during the season.
Geoghegans first points for the season was in round 2 at Calder Park, he was initially classified as retirement but after an appeal he was reinstated earning 6 points for the Championship. Round 3 at Sandown saw Geoghegan and Lawrie Nelson, also in a Charger fill the third row of the grid. Geoghegan was forced to retire his E49 after only 5 laps with over heating problems, but Nelson would go on to finish the race in 2nd place. Geoghegan determination during the season is best illustrated in Round 5 at Surface Paradise. Geoghegan had a great start from the second row on the grid. He soon found himself in a battle with Alan Moffat, with their positions changing 12 times during a frantic 7 laps, the clash only finished when Moffat spun his Falcon on the wet grass. This allowed Geoghegan to finish the race in 2nd place behind Peter Brock.  
The final race of the season was at Warwick Farm Raceway, with Geoghegan again showing his talent. Fighting for positions with Don Holland, behind Brock and Bob Morris. Geoghegan narrowly finished in third position, and only the third time to score points for the season.A previous five-time winner of the Australian Touring Car Championship, Ian Geoghegan finished the 1973 season in 6th position with 21 points.

Item includes certificate with individual production number.