Targa Tasmania 2009
Day 5 - The Run to the Finish
Monday, 04 May 2009 12:06
The final day was great. It started out with wet conditions on the Strachan stage. It was a little slippery to start with but, by the time we got halfway through, the tyres were warm and the grip got better. Graham was reading the notes perfectly and I was going as fast as we safely could to ensure we got through - it is the best feeling when everything flows.Queenstown stage was ridiculously slippery this year, so we took it gently, left the windows down and waved to the camera man in the Chopper!
Day 4 - Getting Down to Business
Saturday, 02 May 2009 22:46
The day started out awesome, and the morning weather had stayed clear and sunny from yesterday! Before lunch we managed to go as fast as we wanted to - with the car, driver and navigator all performing flawlessly.After finding out that we had our 4 hour 20 minute penalty reduced to 20 minutes - still hefty but expected - the highlight is that we are still in the running for our Targa Trophy.
The 'Old-Timers' Unite!
Wednesday, 29 April 2009 15:08
It has been great to catch up with some of the regulars who have been coming to Targa for the past 10 years or so. We have formed a team entry with the Freestones (Paul and Christine), Tony Quinn and Naomi Tillett, and Jeff and Nerida Beable, and named ourselves the 'Targa Old Timers'.Day 3 - The Skies Clear for a lot of Fun
Saturday, 02 May 2009 14:51
The day looked really bad and, after a lot of rain overnight, it looked to be a challenging day of wet weather. Matt Bennet, the photographer, sent through good news, though. He had been watching the weather radar and said it will clear and be drying out for a sunny day. He was right!Graham and I had an excellent day without any mishaps, and a lot of fun. The Mustang ran well all day, and we can't wait until tomorrow to go fast on some of the quicker stages.
Day 2 - What a Blast!
Friday, 01 May 2009 15:56
Day 2 was a blast! Graham and I knuckled down and did what we do best - go fast! What fun we had. The Mussie ran like clockwork, and Graham and I switched on to flow through the stages. Weather here has been perfect, but there will be rain tomorrow - guaranteed. That will add another dimension to our challenge.
Day 1 - A Challenging Day!
Thursday, 30 April 2009 11:35
Day One was a challenging day, to say the least. Half way through the very first stage the Mustang decided to show signs of blue smoke coming from the rear - Oh No! not a repeat of last year. Graham and I were beginning to feel devastation in our hearts!I thinking all sorts of strategies to continue. The engine was running perfect though (unlike last year's problems) What is wrong? I said to Graham, “If the wheels are turning and the engine is running we will keep going!" "OK, it's your call," Graham replied.
The 2009 Targa Course
Tuesday, 28 April 2009 16:51
Here is the full Targa Tasmania course map for 2009. Competitors are based in Launceston for the Prologue and first three Legs, and then Strahan near the west coast after Leg 4, and on to Hobart for the finish.Prologue - We're Off and Running!
Wednesday, 29 April 2009 12:04
The day started off brilliantly, with the sun shining not a cloud in the sky. We travelled up to Georgetown for the Temco Prologue, where Graham called the notes well, and the Mustang did the job. We also got some great in-car video footage, which is a bit big to email, so we will add it to the web site after we get home.In the park at Georgetown, Graham and I were swamped with fans, both young and old. As usual, there was instant fame for us (or is that the car?) and we were madly autographing shirts, arms, flags and, of course, our new poster.
Final Preparations
Monday, 27 April 2009 14:25
Today was a beautiful and sunny and we ventured down the east coast. Graham (Chucky) was back in town, saying that Craig was throwing him around giving him motion sickness. Craig said he was sorry! "It will be better tomorrow," Graham exclaimed.
Marty offically took over the Saleen Extreme Chaplain's Car - and immediately nicknamed it the the Chappie Stang! He is so excited at now being the most powerful Chaplain in Australia! Tomorrow is the Temco Prologe in Georgetown which sets the Starting order for the actual event, which begins on Wednesday. After all the preparations, and the disappointment of last year, we look forward to getting going in the real thing!
Weekend Travels
Monday, 27 April 2009 13:51
Craig and Graham spent the weekend out and about (in the Chaplain's car!), checking out the Day 3 course notes for accuracy and clarity.
On our Saturday travels, we stopped off at Ledgerwood. There we were able to take a break to remember and pray for the Anzacs.
Yesterday (Sunday) it rained all day, providing a day of carefully covering some of the long stages - Cetharna, Mt Claude, and lowana. There were definitely some slippery stages to keep you on the ball, not to mention some silly guys on the wrong side of the road on blind corners to give you a scare! Anyway, we made it back safe and sound and are looking forward to the event itself.
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