Bob Scott, who accumulated three Mainland titles in grass kart racing in the 1960s and 1970s, has a memorial hillclimb held annually in honour of his roles as a successful motorsport competitor, businessman and former Kaitangata mayor.
"Another one [title] and I will have emulated him," Scott said.
The Dunedin car yard and mechanical workshop owner also won the reverse grid championship for the second year running, proving he is adept at making his way through a field packed with close-racing contenders, which include Fords, Valiants, Chevrolets and Austins.
All the cars must have been made before December 31, 1965, while retaining their original bodies, blocks, crankshaft stroke, heads and using gearbox and differential housings in production before the same date.
The series was held over six rounds, with two meetings each at Teretonga Park in Invercargill, Ruapuna Park in Christchurch and Timaru's Levels Raceway.
Scott said from about the third round he was running second and when one of his main rivals, Maurie Bone of Christchurch, crashed his Anglia, he knew he had a strong chance of achieving back-to-back successes.
He is driving the same 1965 Ford XP Falcon he has campaigned throughout his four seasons of Pre-65 racing.
Scott relishes the fact the 289 Ford V8 engine can rustle up speeds of 240kmh.
"I love the old girl. I really enjoy the car."