Subscribe to our newsletter mailing list for updates.
Targa Tasmania 2011
Targa Tasmania 2011: Day 3 to Finish
Since we were sharing the entry, Duane and I spent some time discussing how we should split up the driving and navigating. Others chipped in their views on half days, versus whole days, versus swapping seats every two stages. The first day we agreed to do what our Redback Racing forefathers Duncan and Chris did, which was to switch every other stage.
At the end of that first day, we both came to realize a day without any driving would make us feel deprived. Not that we both weren't challenged by the navigating. In the twisties, keeping up with the pages of uninterupted pace note calls was one of the more difficult things I've ever done. So, for the rest of the week we assigned the stage duties to keep the kilometers in each seat similar, and to ensure we had some of each role both morning and afternoon.
Day 3 was more dry stage to the west of Launceston, towards Davenport and Sheffield. Duane was still in circuit driver sprint mode. At least until Stage 3 when some of the navigator side decals and mirror where re-fashioned by a paddock ditch/fence. Its always the navigator's side that suffers isn't it? Endurance driver mode was thereafter adhered to by all.
Day 3 is the first of the longer stages, with Mt. Roland at 26 kilometers. Duane was in great form over the mountain. Everyone felt exhausted as Day 3 came to a close, but we all realized we had over half of the Event's stage kilometers in front of us, including the 59 km Mount Arrowsmith stage. And rain had been forecast for the remaining two days of competition, (of course, some would argue it always rains on the Tasmanian west coast).
As predicted, Day 4 to Stahan on the west coast was wet, as was day 5 to Hobart on the south coast. Previous Modern winner Tony Quinn in his Nissan GT-R35 held onto his 2-3 minute lead throughout. Other top Modern contenders drove Lamborghini Gallardos, Subaru STi, Audi TT RS, and Porsche GT2 RS.
In Classic, Rex Broadbent in his 1974 Porsche RS prevailed for his 5th straight victory. He was expected to be challenged by Walter Rohrl in his 1981 San Remo winning 911, but a broken half-shaft early in the week meant Rohrl was competing for a mixture of pride and pleasure. (It also meant bragging rights for many... "I beat Walter Rohrl.")
We had the just-pinch-me thrill of chatting with Walter Rohrl after breakfast in beautiful Strahan. He told us he had done the event once ten year prior in a Museum 356. Walter thought the whole Targa Tasmania amazing.......both the duration of the event, (easily twice that of a WRC event), and the island's hospitality in extending to the competitors use of the roads. We had the chance to tell him about Targa Canada West, which did bring a wry smile to his face. What a gentleman!
Walter Rohrl (of Porsche factory test pilot, Nurburging lap time & rally fame) & Duane Bentley (of, well, um, Targa Canada West fame).
Our own Day 4 and 5 went well. We proved fast enough to meet our Trophy times, while keeping the lines tidy, and our powder dry. Surprisingly, all eight cars in Showroom 2wd finished, with ours in fourth place. That is one step away from the biggest Champaign shower in motorsport -- but there is always next year. Given the first time drivers and navigators among our driving crew, and the factory-backed competition, we were thrilled with the result.
It was also a great feeling to mingle with all of the roughly 1500 Targa competitors, service crews, and officials at the finish. We realized just how privileged we were to enter, to compete, to finish, and to earn a "plate" at the biggest Targa event yet of the modern era. So many new friends and contacts made. It certainly gives us a high bar to aim for with Targa Canada West.
This update by Kelly Silverthorn, Targa Professor Emeritus
Targa Tasmania 2011: Prologue, Day 1 & Day 2
Kelly & I are having a great time, and Tasmania is beautiful. And it is sunny and warm (not always the case for fall in Tasmania.)
After one and a half days of route preview, called "recce" in rally terms, we were starting to really look forward to it.
And so were 340 other entrants!
The Prologue Day (Stage Zero) does not officially count, but this "in-town stage" in Georgetown sets the starting order... and bragging rights. That said, this is a six day endurance event, so not much to gain and lots to lose if one pushes too hard.
We are in Modern Showroom category and our Mazda MX5 (car #992) is running great. Our vehicle/crew expertly supplied by MX5 Racing / Redbacking Racing, who not only are professional, but also a friendly bunch and we are really enjoying the social time too.
We currently in fifth place within category after day two (dropping from fourth at end of day one) -- and really happy since this is Kelly's first time as a navigator and myself as driver. (We alternate every few stages.) He is getting the hang of it -- and only one "moment" but no harm done. I think I am getting the hang of it too... since I can't wipe this silly grin off my face.
Speaking of social time, great to spend time with fellow Canadians Jim Kenzie and Doug Mepham, two of Canada's most notable automotive journalists -- they are in car #777, a sleek Mazda RX-7 Turbo. Of particular interest, Jim and Doug were catalysts in bringing Targa to North America: after competing together in Tasmania (in 2000 I believe) they returned to Canada and shared the idea that led directly to Targa Newfoundland!
And guess who else is here? Walter Rohrl -- racing exotic machines from the Porsche Museum. To hear a vintage Porsche 908/2 at full throttle is glorious -- and to think that this car (or its equally rare siblings) won at Targa Florio and Le Mans is mind bending.
Other interesting note: all vehicles are equipped with a Rally Safe device -- which is a very promising device for safety, timing and event management. Chatted with Stephen Sim who in interested in seeing the technology implemented in rallies/targa events in Canada. Personally, the Rally Safe device has worked well for us in delivering basic stage information -- and when overtaking slower cars (press a button to give them a warning). So far we have yet to see it in action when cars are trying to overtake us!
We'll keep you posted.
Cheers, Duane Bentley, CEO, TARGA Canada West ▀▄▀▄
Targa Canada West heads back to Australia for Targa Tasmania, April 5 to 10, 2011.
Targa Tasmania 2011 is celebrating 20 years: it is the world's largest tarmac rally, and the largest annual event in the state. Duane Bentley and Kelly Silverthorn will pilot (both are driving) a Redback Racing supplied Mazda MX-5 race car in the Modern Competition division.
Follow MX5 Racing: Car # 992
Is it true that Mazdas in Australia go WOOZ WOOZ? Follow us to find out: watch for updates here on our site, our Facebook and/or the Targa Tasmania site.
The Targa Canada West team was there in 2009... Photos of Kelly and Glyn also in a Redback Racing supplied Mazda MX-5. (Redback Racing provides arrive & drive race car rental & support for Targa Tasmania, Targa Wrest Point, etc.)
