Dean Tighe

Dean Tighe is a second-generation mechanic, engineer, and race car driver. Born into a family with a strong racing background, Tighe developed a passion for motorsport from a young age, thanks to his father, successful racer, and engine builder Ivan Tighe. He gained early racing experience and began building engines during his youth. Tighe's interest in motorsport led him to pursue a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at the Queensland University of Technology.

Dean Tighe
NationalityAustralia Australian
BornDean Joseph Tighe
(1966-06-17) 17 June 1966
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Related toIvan Tighe, Martin Tighe
Australian Hillclimb Championship career
Car number12
Championships1
Wins1
Podiums2
Championship titles
2023

2022		Australian Supersprint Championship
Australian Hillclimb Championship
Australian Supersprint Championship

Early life and career

Dean Tighe's exposure to motorsport and mechanical engineering began in his childhood through his father's involvement in racing. He frequently attended speedway events and developed a keen interest in motorcycles and cars. At the age of 10, Tighe started racing motorbikes, and by 12, he built his first engine. He won the Queensland Short Circuit Motocross Championship with an engine he built during his senior year of school.

Inspired by his early achievements in racing and engine building, Tighe aspired to become a race car driver. However, his plans took a turn when his brother Martin unexpectedly passed away. Overnight, he found himself taking over the family business, Ivan Tighe Engineering, while simultaneously pursuing his studies on a part-time basis. Eventually, Tighe became the head of the business, which is now known as Tighe Cams. The company specializes in the production of custom-made camshafts for automotive, motorcycle, and diesel applications.[1]

Under Tighe's leadership, Tighe Cams has worked to manufacture camshafts for the Australian-built Collins-class submarines used by the Royal Australian Navy. The company is one of seven businesses capable of manufacturing camshaft cores.

Racing career

Dean Tighe actively participates in racing. Tighe's accomplishments include sealing two national titles in a single week, becoming the Australian Hillclimb Champion and winning the Motorsport Australia Supersprint Championship. This achievement marked him as only the fourth person to claim dual national titles in a single year.

Throughout his racing career, Tighe has worked on notable projects, including contributing to the engine tuning of the ANZ Ford Sierra RS500 driven by Allan Moffat and the late Gregg Hansford in the 1988 Enzed Sandown 500. Despite being only 22 years old at the time, Tighe's involvement in enhancing the engine's performance played a part in the team's victory.[2]

Personal Life and Future

Outside of his professional pursuits, Dean Tighe maintains a private life, with limited information available about his personal interests and background.[3]

See also

References
  1. "Tighe Cams, brisbane, camshafts, automotive, Motorcycle, diesel, semi finished". www.tighecams.com.au.
  2. "Driver: Dean Tighe | Driver Database". www.driverdb.com.
  3. Jones, Iwan (June 7, 2023). "Kincrome Mechanic Series: Dean Tighe".
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