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Two for Rullo and Gunson takes a hat trick – Make Smoking History Targa West
Day 3 – Leads increase for both Rullo and Gunson
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Day 2 – Rullo and Gunson inching forward – Make Smoking History Targa West
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Day 1 – Off and racing, great start to Make Smoking History Targa West
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Start your engines – Make Smoking History Targa West
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Racing to rally – Make Smoking History Targa West
Racing to the start line are 64 West Australian tarmac rally drivers who’ll take to the streets of Perth for the 17th Make Smoking History Targa West from 16th to 19th September.
The State’s best rally drivers are all confirmed entrants including reigning champion Mark Greenham (Forrestfield) in his winning 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9, Will White (Dardanup) who finished second last year in his 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer and Jeffrey Foster (Bicton) in his 2019 Porsche 911 who took third last year.
The 2018 winner of the Modern Category, Peter Rullo (Gooseberry Hill), will be competing in his 13th Targa West event and will be looking to repeat that success in his 2020 SSC Lotus Exige against formidable rivals in four times winner Steve Jones (Attadale) in his 2008 Nissan R35 GTR, David Heaton (Dalkeith) in a 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, Mark Cates (Bunbury) in his 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and the WA State Rally Champion on gravel, John O’Dowd (Gooseberry Hill) who has bought a new car for tarmac rallying, a 2017 Porsche 911 GT3 RS purchased from racing great Jim Richards.
Mark Greenham / Steph Esterbauer. Photo: CMR Photographic
In the Classic Category, last year’s winner and one of Targa West’s greatest competitors, Simon Gunson (Bibra Lake) will again be in his 1971 Ford Capri Perana racing against Tim Wolfe in his 1974 Porsche 911, Paul Pernechele (Gidgegannup) in his 1971 Ford Falcon XY, and Simon Lingford (Hillarys) in his London to Sydney Marathon car, 1973 Datsun 240Z that’ll be amongst a great range of classic cars.
There are 15 rookies racing the clock this year, which is close to a quarter of the total field including teenager Max McRae who is following in the footsteps of his father Alister and uncle and rally champion, the late Colin McRae.
Event Director Ross Tapper says that the strong competitor list is a testament to sport.
“We feel fortunate that we’re able to hold events while the rest of the world grapples with the pandemic,” Mr Tapper says.
“It’s safe to say that West Australian competitors are making the most of it with all of our State’s top rally drivers in the entry list, which means tough competition and a great show for spectators.”
Simon Gunson / Peter Morley. Photo: Murray Armenti
Highlights for spectators at the 2021 Make Smoking History Targa West include the new ceremonial start venue at the Supreme Court Gardens from 10.30am to 12.15pm on Thursday 16th September, and the hugely popular Ellenbrook street stages from 5pm Thursday night that also includes a jaw-dropping display of drift cars. On Friday, Kalamunda and Zig Zag stages are crowd favourites and the rally cars will later be on display at the Northbridge Show ‘n’ Shine on Friday night. On Saturday, the Toodyay, Chittering and Bullsbrook stages are loved by spectators for their speed, and on Sunday, crowds line the streets of the industrial areas of Malaga for the street stages that includes the crazy D1WA Drift Cars, followed by the City of Perth stages along Riverside Drive and then the podium finish with the winners and the traditional champagne spray.
Also on Sunday from 10am is the City Sprint, and on Langley Park and along Riverside Drive, a mega display of racing cars, hot rods, classics, muscle cars, vintage cars, exotic cars motorbikes, go-karts and everything in between at the Celebration of Motorsport and Shannons Classics on the Swan. Best of all, it’s all free entry.
Competitors start the Make Smoking History Targa West at 30 second intervals, with the winner being the fastest over all 37 stages, a total of 272 competitive kilometres, across four days.
It’s completely free to watch Western Australia’s premier tarmac rally, and there are plenty of spectator points to catch the fast-paced action.
Make Smoking History Targa West is owned by Targa West and is only possible thanks to a dedicated committee and an army of 500 volunteers.
D1WA Drift Cars. Photo: CMR Photographic
ALL THE ACTION
Thursday 16th September – City, Whiteman Park, Wanneroo, Ellenbrook
From 10.30am at the Supreme Court Gardens in the City of Perth, rally cars will be on display and then, with anticipation at an all-time high, competitors will be flagged off at 11.45am for the Ceremonial Start of the Make Smoking History Targa West.
From the city, competitors will make their way to Whiteman Park for two stages with action from 12.15pm to 3pm. Rally cars then go to Wanneroo Raceway for two stages from 3.35pm – 5.15pm.
The not-to-be-missed night street stage in Ellenbrook, Service Park and Community Fair is again expected to draw big crowds from 5.00pm to 8.00pm with the rally action starting at 6.15pm. About 7,000 people lined the streets last year as rally cars fanged through the centre of Ellenbrook – rally drivers love an audience!
Friday 17th September – Parkerville, Mundaring, Kalamunda, Northbridge
Cadet students from Mundaring Christian College will swap uniforms for high vis as they work as officials for Make Smoking History Targa West. Rally competitors will assemble at the school from 10am and do two runs of the Parkerville stage.
Competitors then head to nearby Mundaring and Kalamunda for two stages from 11.20am, and then at 12.40pm, Haynes Street in Kalamunda will become the rally’s Service Park and drivers and co-drivers will break for lunch and their crews get to work.
After lunch at 1.50pm, competitors tackle the famous Zig Zag stage – a favourite with drivers and spectators. Don’t forget there’s no parking so take the provided shuttle bus. Then onto the Hawaiian Shopping Centre Forrestfield Service Park at 4.15pm before competitors park their rally cars in Northbridge on James and Lake Streets for the annual Show ‘n’ Shine 6pm to 9pm.
Saturday 18th September – Toodyay, Chittering, Bullsbrook
Now called Serious Saturday, this is make or break for competitors. It’s the longest and hardest day of the Make Smoking History Targa West Rally when the competitors need to give it their all and finish the day well if they are to have a chance of a podium finish. It takes endurance in both man and machine to finish this day well with 14 stages and a total of 125 competitive kilometres in Toodyay, Chittering and Bullsbrook.
In Toodyay, you can see the cars up close and the crews at work in the Service Park at the Charcoal Lane Service Park at 9.20am, 11am and 1.10pm.
Spectators can follow the rally action with spectator points at Sandplain Road in Toodyay from 9.00am, Coondle West 10.30am and 12.20am, Toodyay at Racecourse Road 11.45am and 12.50pm and Timberden East at 2.00pm.
Then it’s the two 20-kilometre marathon stages in Chittering, Maryville Downs 1 and 2 starting at 2.40pm and 3.30pm respectively, after which competitors head to Bullsbrook for four more stages from 4pm and the final service for the day.
SUNDAY 25th October – Malaga, City – Riverside Drive and Langley Park
Sunday Fun Day has never been truer. Make Smoking History Targa West action starts in Malaga along closed roads in the Industrial Estate from 8.40am until 11.30am, which includes a demonstration with sideways skidding and smoking tyres by the D1WA Drift Cars.
Rally drivers will make their way into the City of Perth for grand finale, three short and sharp city stages along Riverside Drive starting at 1pm.
Also in the city is an epic display of hundreds of vehicles at the Shannons Classic on the Swan, a showcase of beautiful cars from yesteryear along Riverside Drive, and the Celebration of Motorsport on Langley Park featuring racing cars, bikes and go-karts and examples of all forms of Motorsport and interesting Speedway, Drags, Circuit Racing, Bikes, RC Cars, Dakar Trucks, Open Wheelers and Trade Displays.
There’ll be action all day Sunday in the city with the Targa City Sprint featuring exotic, historic and classic race cars, taking place concurrently from 9.30am along Riverside Drive between Victoria Avenue and Governors Avenue.
From 3.15pm, winners will take the podium and be presented with medals ahead of the traditional champagne spray on Riverside Drive, under the archway.
Download the Make Smoke History Targa West Spectator Guide here, includes more detailed information including times and maps.
Ross Tapper awarded Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in 2021 Australia Day Honours List
Rally supremo Ross Tapper awarded Order of Australia Medal
Ross Tapper, owner of Targa West Events, has been awarded an Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to motorsport in the Australia Day Honours.
Mr Tapper’s career in motorsport administration spans close to 45 years.
He has been Clerk of Course in over 250 events including motorkhana, autocross, rallysprint, and national, state and club rallies including the Forest Rally, Rally of Melbourne, Rally Tasmania, Rally Calder and Australasian Safari.
In 1988, Mr Tapper was Assistant Clerk of Course for Safety in the country’s first round of the World Rally Championship, Rally Australia, a role he performed until 1994.
He has been a Clerk of Course for at least one round of the WA State Rally Championship or Australian Rally Championship every year since 1978, and in May he will be Clerk of Course for WA’s round of the ARC Forest Rally held in Bunbury and Nannup, for the 32nd time.
Mr Tapper has run tarmac rally Targa West in Perth for 16 years, has been chairman of the WA Rally Advisory Panel for 12 years, President of the WA Car Club for 20 years in three separate stints, was named WA State Official of the Year in 2015 and in that same year inducted into the Australia Rally Hall of Fame and given Lifetime Membership to Motorsport Australia (previously CAMS).
Mr Tapper said that the OAM has taken him by surprise.
“I feel very humbled and equally very pleased that someone from a non-mainstream sport can be recognised for their contribution to a sport they love,” Mr Tapper said.
“Running rallies is not a one-man-show and I certainly couldn’t have done any of this without the friendship and support of many officials, competitors and service crews, and especially my number one supporter, my wife Jan.
L-R: Alan Tapper, Max & Linda Chesterfield, Jan & Ross Tapper
“My love of rallying doesn’t come from liking cars, in fact, it’s the opposite – I don’t pop open a bonnet and get excited at the shiny bits.
“What makes it so rewarding are the friendships formed, many that have lasted decades and continue on to this day. That, and bringing together a gazillion moving parts that make up a motorsport event – approvals, competitors, officials, all of it, and overseeing everything so events run safely and smoothly.
“I am so fortunate that I’ve been able to turn a hobby into a long and fulfilling career, it’s been amazing.
“When I reflect back, I feel truly grateful to do what I love and love what I do, every day I’m surrounded by friends and good people.
“I’m living proof that motorsport is addictive, whether you’re behind the wheel or not, before one event is over, I’m already planning the next.”
There’s no talk of retirement or slowing down, Mr Tapper, 63, is deep in the throes of planning the next rally, the Auto One Targa Albany Sprint on February 28 and March 1, which he has expanded from one event last year into three events this year.
Introduced to motorsport by his father in the 1950s, Mr Tapper joined the WA Car Club in 1975 and the following year started rally driving in a Galant. His first foray organising a rally was three years later in 1978 for which he received the Director of the Year Award.
Ross in his Galant during the 1984 Rock Inn Rally
Mr Tapper was sent overseas by the FIA to officiate and train in Japan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, and his long list of awards and accolades includes Lifetime Membership of the WA Car Club.
The WA Rally Community congratulates Mr Tapper on an outstanding career and the much-deserved Order of Australia Medal.
Make Smoking History Targa West 2020: Rookies
Written by Mundaring Christian College students Brendan Elliott and Layla Cassian – 6th November 2020
Rookies, the freshest competitors, are often the most fierce and
eager in any competition. In Mundaring recently at the Make
Smoking History Targa West rally, rookies were involved for fun, the
challenge and for the new experience. A total of 19 rookie drivers
and co-drivers entered the high-speed adrenaline-filled event, with
many commenting on the good time they were having.
Make Smoking History Targa West is a four day annual tarmac rally,
consisting of 54 rally teams competing in four different categories.
This year there were 500 volunteers who helped out, plus support
from Mundaring Christian College. The school helped by providing
the start and pitstop for the Parkerville stage of the rally on Day 2,
whilst some of the students assisted by tagging gates, undertaking
media interviews and offering food and hospitality.
For some rookies, tarmac rallying at the four-day Make Smoking
History Targa West was their first involvement in any form of
motorsport.
“Well, I wasn’t into motorsport until three months ago, so I just
decided to go do it and have a crack, get a driver’s license and
have a go,” states Nissan Silvia driver Kevin Bailey in car number
31.
A group of students from MCC were assigned the task to interview
the rookies and other competitors during the Parkerville Stage of
the rally held on Day 2.
Bailey was one of a handful of drivers who shared their experience
on the first section with the students, saying his favourite stage was
a toss up between Barbagallo and Ellenbrook on Day 1.
“Yeah, it was very good, Whiteman Park was a bit challenging, but
the rest has been great fun.”
Bailey explained that Targa West was very exciting for the public,
seeing the people come out of their back yard to watch.
The City of Swan Mayor left his desk job for quite a different
experience this year, joining the competitive 1000km Rally, but
unfortunately for Bailey and his team they didn’t make the top ten.
Veteran driver Simon Gunson and his ‘virgin’ co-driver (as he calls
him), Peter Morley, raced their way into first place in the Classic
category. With an astonishing lead of 4 minutes 43 seconds, they
were able to convincingly beat other experienced teams.
This year was Morley’s first Make Smoking History Targa West rally,
although he has had previous experience with single seat racers.
Morley enlightened the students on his ‘Cycle of Racing’.
“It starts with building a car, then racing it, breaking it, and fixing it
again.”
Morley and Gunson didn’t have any major problems at the time of
interviewing.
“No problems at all apart from a loose bolt on the exhaust, unlike
some other competitors.”
As Morley explains, all the drivers experienced their fair share of
difficulties whether it be new motors, mechanical issues, or other
costly repairs.
Similar to Bailey, Morley also described the challenging first stage.
“Stage 1 was a bit tight and narrow,” he says.
Gunson and Morley, in their a 1971 Capri Perana, blew it out of the
water, finishing faster than all the competitors in their category and
some in the other categories too. A win for a rookie co-driver or
driver is incredible, but for those who didn’t place it’s all about the
fun and the experience.
All the drivers, rookies or experienced, mentioned that they enjoy
the camaraderie and community support that comes with the rally.
Experienced driver Chris Caruso also gave students an insight into
how he and his team Wyldcat Racing enjoy the community and the
people.
“As far as our team goes, the rally is all about high performance
cars, rallying and racing, but the other aspect of it is people. It’s all
about community and people,” Says Caruso.
“It’s good camaraderie because there’s a lot of involvement with
other competitors. As you see, everyone gets along really well and
it’s good to enjoy the successes at the end of the day.” Comments
SSC Lotus Driver Peter Rullo.
Rullo also mentions he can’t wait to be back next year. “Thanks to
Mundaring Christian College for the hospitality and I can’t wait to be
back next year,” says the Gooseberry Hill resident.
The 2018 Winner and his crew had a few moments on Day 1, but
apart from that they quite like the stage in Parkerville. We asked
Rullo if he was confident for a win, and this is what he had to say:
“It’s a long event so you can’t put all your eggs in one basket. So
what I meant by that is to finish first, first you must finish. So it’s just
using your strengths and what you’re good at and leveraging off
that.”
Unfortunately Rullo, his days of mechanical troubles have returned
with his car succumbed to overheating issues when a fan belt broke
on Day 3 and he was out of contention.
Rookie or veteran, a podium contender or in it for the challenge, the
common thread between all competitors is that rallying is about
camaraderie, community, having a great time and driving as fast as
they can.
Make Smoking History Targa West was held in and around
Mundaring, Perth, Toodyay, Chittering, Ellenbrook, Whiteman Park
and Kalamunda from 22 to 25 October 2020.
For more information and full results, visit www.targawest.com.au.
Make Smoking History Targa West – a red hot finish
Today, the Finalé, was the final chance for those within striking distance of a podium to drive ten tenths to make it happen, or for those with a comfortable lead, to preserve position and not make any mistakes. That can be a tough ask when there are thousands of spectators and drivers who love to put on a show.
Today saw six stages with 35.61 competitive kilometres, all of them with kerbs, gutters and tight turns. Reaching a scorching 34 degrees, it was the hottest day on record for Targa West, and some competitors had to watch their tyres and cooling systems.
The short day of street style racing started with three stages in Malaga including crowd-thrilling, smoke-generating, tyre-screeching Drift Car demonstrations by D1WA. The final three sprint-style stages took place along picturesque Riverside Drive, Victoria Ave, Governors ave and the City of Perth Parking Terrace Road carpark.
D1WA Drift Cars in Malaga. Photo: Phil Williams
Thousands turned out to check out 1,000 cars on display in the Shannons Classics on the Swan, a huge collection of stunning classics along Riverside Drive, the Celebration of Motorsport on Langley Park along with the All Ford Day.
In Make Smoking History Targa West 16-year history, only five champions have taken the title in the Competition Modern category and this year there was a sixth.
Competition Modern
Mark Greenham and Steph Esterbauer in their 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 started the final day with a healthy lead of 3:28 minutes ahead of second place, husband and wife team Jeffery and Catherine Foster in their 2019 Porsche GT3 RS.
For Greenham, preservation today was critical to take the win.
“It feels brilliant and the past five years of competing have definitely been worth it,” said Greenham.
Mark Greenham / Steph Esterbauer. Photo: Phil Williams
“I’m so happy and very relieved – today was so different to yesterday in that we could hear every noise and were thinking ‘is the diff going to go’ and things like that – we started hearing things. But it’s been great, we’re very happy.”
The fight of the day was between Jeffery and Catherine Foster in their 2019 Porsche GT3 RS who started the day 11 seconds ahead of Will White and Matt Thompson in their 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9.
White was not going down without a fight. After pushing all day to make up a few seconds, White / Thompson were just 1 second behind Foster / Foster going into the last stage. It was a challenge that went down to the wire. White drove his Evo to the limit to take second place by the narrowest of margins, just 1 second, and 2:22 minutes behind the winner.
White said that it was an epic battle.
“We are absolutely stoked especially with the fuel pump issues we had at the start of the rally and breakdowns on liaisons. Matt has done a fantastic job calling notes and keeping me on track, without him, none of this would happen,” said White, from Dardanup.
“Thanks to the organisers, volunteers and all competitors, especially to Mark [Greenham] on taking the win, we’re all good mates and the comradery between us all is just awesome.”
Jeffrey Foster said it’s been a tough two days, but he finished on the podium without a scratch on his Porsche.
“We’re really happy with our result, it was a ding-dong battle with Will White with just a second separating us. Will did a great job,” Foster said.
“We were starting to get worried about tyres yesterday, and this morning it was all going well but everything has to come together and someone else got it right and we got it a little bit wrong. Still, we’re very happy.”
Fourth went to Brett Morse and Rodney Ng in their 2019 BMW M2 Competition who were sitting in third place earlier in the rally but lost time due to tyre degradation.
Brett Morse / Rodney Ng. Photo: CMR Photographic
After retiring yesterday with overheating issues, Peter Rullo and Jimmy Marquet restarted the rally today, albeit out of contention, and showed just how fast they can go winning two stages in Malaga in their 2019 SSC Lotus Exige Targa GT and finishing equal first in two stages in the City of Perth.
Another duo who seemed to come into their own today showing a blistering pace was John O’Dowd and Toni Feaver, who won the first stage of the day in Malaga and the first City of Perth stage, finishing in seventh place overall in their leased 2004 Porsche 996 Turbo. They had to replace a clutch after Day 2 which incurred a 2.00-minute time penalty, and saw them out of contention.
While not in direct contention, invitational competitors Garry Povah and Steve Armour in their 2011 Holden Colorado restarted the rally today after retiring yesterday with differential issues. While they are Targa West rookies, the team is very experienced and awarded in off road racing.
Povah said he’s been competing in motorsport events for 20 years.
“Targa West is a very well-run event and sets a high benchmark,” Povah said.
“Everything from the organisation, the officials – who were all so professional – to the safety and comradery, all of it has been first class, and I’ve travelled around the world competing in off-road rallies. We’ve had a ball.”
Competition Classic
In the Competition Classic (pre 1986), there was no stopping Simon Gunson and rookie co-driver Peter Morley in their 1971 Ford Capri Perana. Despite starting the day with healthy lead of 4:43 minutes, Gunson / Morley still won four out of six stages to finish 4.55 minutes ahead of Tim Wolfe and Scott Beckwith in their 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS.
Gunson only knows one way to drive his Capri – hard and fast.
“Right from the blocks we went out hard and kept that going all the way through. Actually, we just drive hard all the time because we just love driving this car,” Gunson said.
“We love driving fast, but we conserved a bit today. The car didn’t miss a beat, it’s been a great rally.”
Simon Gunson / Peter Morley. Photo: Muz Armenti
Second-placed Wolfe said it was his second Targa West with co-driver Scott Beckwith in what’s been a great rally.
“We went in with a strategy to finish on the podium, and we’ve done that. We couldn’t get near the Capri, but we stuck to our strategy and we’re very happy with our result,” Wolfe said.
In third place 2:42 minutes behind Wolfe / Beckwith were cousins Nathan Ellement and Keven Ellement in their 1985 Chevrolet Corvette C4.
Nathan Ellement said that they were thrilled.
“To get this car to come third on our second proper attempt at Targa West is absolutely awesome. We are stoked and we’ll be back bigger and better next year,” said Ellement.
Kim Stewart and Frank Zanotti finished fourth in their 1965 Ford Mustang a further 59 seconds behind.
Targa 165 and Targa 130
In Targa 165, rookies Ben Pang and co-driver Brandon Chin wowed the crowds in their 1999 Honda Civic to take a solid win, 17.39 minutes ahead of Nick Rahimtulla and Lisa White in their 1973 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV 105. The Targa 165 category restricts drivers to 165 kilometres per hour.
In his first rally event, Pang was clearly very happy to win his category.
“It’s been a very good rally, a lot of fun and I’m very satisfied with what we’ve done. I’d like to thank my crew, they are all very hard working. Also thanks to the volunteer, it’s so hot and they stand there and smile and wave, at least we get a bit of breeze when we drive fast,” said Pang, who is originally from Borneo.
Ben Pang / Brandon Chin. Photo: Tim Allott
In the Targa 130 category, husband and wife team Jurgen and Helen Lunssman took a clean sweep of stage wins in their electric Telsa 3 Performance+ car, winning the class by 8.39 minutes ahead of David and Anna Hodges in their 2013 Holden VF SSV. The Targa 130 category restricts drivers to 130 kilometres per hour.
Jurgen Lunssman said he was thrilled and relieved.
“I’m relieved because there have been great expectations on the electric car, we’re representing part of the future and there’s a big community following us, and we’re so happy to take the win for them,” Lunssman said.
Podium Targa 130: Hodges / Hodges, Lunsmann / Lunsmann, Evans / Stutt. Photo: CMR Photographic
“Last year I shared the podium with the Ford Capri as Simon Gunson’s co-driver, and this year I’m on the podium with my wife in a Tesla. The inclusive nature of Targa West great and the competition is really healthy.”
2 Day Rallye
The 2 Day Rallye is a shortened version of Make Smoking History Targa West for competitors who can only commit to the weekend, and they race the same stages as the other competitors.
Among the four competitors, Paul Pernechele and co-driver Ben Trager were again dominant in their classic V8 1971 Ford Falcon XY finishing the day 5.33 minutes faster than nearest rivals.
“It’s been a great rally. Absolutely I’m going to do the full event next year if I can,” Pernechelle said.
Make Smoking History Targa West is owned by Targa West Events and is only possible thanks to a dedicated committee and an army of 500 volunteers.
Event Director Ross Tapper said that he was proud of his team.
“A few months ago, we didn’t even know if we’d be having a rally,” said Tapper, in relation to COVID cancelling all events.
“To be able to come back, organise it and run it in a different time of year to our usual August date has been a feat. I’m very proud of the organising team and all of our officials, and of course to all the West Australian competitors who took part. Without them, and our sponsors, there wouldn’t be a Make Smoking History Targa West.”
Main Photo: 2020 Make Smoking History Targa West Competition Modern Podium. Photo: CMR Photographic
Green with envy at Make Smoking History Targa West
The marathon Day 3 was hot, reaching temperatures of 31 degrees, challenging man and machine at the 16th Make Smoking History Targa West in Toodyay, Chittering and Bullsbrook, north east of Perth.
Today was Leg 2, the longest and toughest day of Make Smoking History Targa West covering 461 kilometres, 14 stages and 129.2 competitive kilometres which includes the two longest stages of the rally, Maryville Downs at 19.68 kilometres, run twice. The final stage of the day, SS30 was cancelled due to running over time.
In its 16-year history, Make Smoking History Targa West has only crowned five champions in the Competition Modern category and this year it’s likely to be someone new.
Competition Modern
The big news of the day was the retirement of Peter Rullo and Jimmy Marquet who had to stop after SS23 when their 2019 SSC Lotus Exige Targa GT overheated. Some surface gravel on a newly resealed section of road flicked up under the car, tearing the belt attached to the water pump, which cools the car.
They managed to replace the torn belt but didn’t make it to time control within the allocated 30-minutes to continue their rally without penalty. Prior to that, Rullo / Marquet were faultless, winning the day’s first five stages and inching their lead by a few seconds each stage.
Rullo said that the team will assess the car over night before deciding if they will rejoin tomorrow.
The departure of Rullo / Marquet catapults Mark Greenham and Steph Esterbauer in their 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 to the top of the standings with a healthy lead of 3:28 minutes ahead of second place, husband and wife team Jeffery and Catherine Foster in their 2019 Porsche GT3 RS.
Just 11 seconds behind Foster / Foster is Will White and Matt Thompson in their 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9.
Greenham said it was a strange feeling to be in the lead.
“Before it was push, push, push, and now we’re like ‘Oh God, what’s that noise’ – we have the lead to look after now,” said Greenham.
“Going into tomorrow, we’ll be looking after our tyres and the car. We plan to keep a good pace, keep out of people’s way and keep away from any kerbs. There’s still another day to go and anything can happen, but yes, it’s exciting.”
Going into the finalé in second place, Jeffery Foster said he plans to minimise mistakes and push when he can.
“Anything can happen in Malaga, but we’ll drive to our strengths, remain diligent, get the calls right and try to keep mistakes to a minimum. The car has performed as expected, and now it’s a mental game,” Foster said.
Jeffery and Catherine Foster. Photo: CMR Photographic
Foster may need to push more than he plans if he wants to hold second place, Will White is on the hunt.
“Definitely, one hundred per cent I’m going to push and go for second place or crash trying. It wouldn’t be a rally otherwise!” said White.
“We’ve been saving new tyres for Sunday – I’ve got new medium tyres on the front and the best of the tyres will go on the back. In the past, we’ve been the quickest on the city stages, and we’ll be giving it a good crack tomorrow.
“The boys from Tokyo Motorsport have been on the tools ensuring the car is trouble free. Bring it on.”
Dropping down the leaderboard today to fourth place due to tyre degradation was Brett Morse and Rodney Ng in their 2019 BMW M2 Competition.
With a new clutch fitted overnight, John O’Dowd and Toni Feaver were again posting competitive times to finish the day in seventh place in their leased 2004 Porsche 996 Turbo, a car that has previously won Targa West four times. The new clutch incurred a 2.00-minute time penalty for removing the car from Parc Ferme.
Arriving at the second Toodyay service park on a tilt tray was the 2008 Audi R8 of Peter Burgess and Terry Childs.
“We were full power, went hard on the brakes for a virtual chicane, heard a big clunk, kept going and then had no steering. It’s the lower ball joint, we can replace it and carry on,” said Burgess, a Targa West rookie.
“My company Forch, which makes garage consumables, sponsored a few competitors in the past and I thought I should have a go myself. I did one rally sprint in the lead up a few months ago, and here I am, and loving it.”
Invitational competitors and Targa West rookies Garry Povah and Steve Armour were forced to retire with differential issues at the end of SS26. While rookies, the team is very experienced and awarded in off road racing, their 2011 Holden Colorado won the Australasian Safari in 2010 (driven by Craig Lowndes). They may restart tomorrow.
Competition Classic
In the Competition Classic (pre 1986), there’s no stopping Simon Gunson and rookie co-driver Peter Morley who again, for the third straight day, won all stages in their 1971 Ford Capri Perana, to increase their lead to 4:43 minutes. Gunson / Morley have won 29 stages straight.
Gunson was smiling as usual, seemingly non-fazed by his achievements.
“It’s good to be in the lead, but I’m also looking how we compare to Modern category,” Gunson said.
“Everything with the car is great except the speed sensor which isn’t showing up on the dash, I suspect a stone hit it in one of the morning stages, but we have RallySafe, so it’s all fine.”
Simon Gunson / Peter Morley. Photo: CMR Photographic
Finishing the day in second place was Tim Wolfe and Scott Beckwith in a 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS about two and half minutes behind them in third today were cousins Nathan Ellement and Keven Ellement in their 1985 Chevrolet Corvette C4.
Nathan Ellement said that they were ticking along nicely in their third attempt at Targa West.
“All eight cylinders are working, we stayed on the black stuff, we’re still going and we’re having a ball,” said Nathan.
“We plan to maintain our position and keep going. Malaga will be interesting, that’s where we hit a water barrier last year – the left-hand-drive can be tricky to judge.”
Kim Stewart and Frank Zanotti in their 1965 Ford Mustang are 35 seconds behind Ellement / Ellement in fourth place.
Greg Freeman and Jeff Sadler arrived in the Toodyay Service Park with their Chevrolet Camaro on tilt tray after overshooting a corner and hitting a tree on the left side on SS20. Both uninjured, they were able to restart the rally albeit with a few new dents.
Not in contention but a crowd favourite, the 1967 Mini of mother and son Cindy and rookie co-driver Ewan Jones is still racing despite a list of issues that include clutch, distributor, suspension and fuel. Cindy said that they are having a ball and her favourite thing was taking a good corner.
Targa 165 and Targa 130
Rookies Ben Pang and co-driver Brandon Chin in their 1999 Honda Civic have increased their lead to 13:45 minutes ahead of Nick Rahimtulla and Lisa White in their 1973 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV 105.
The Targa 165 category restricts drivers to 165 kilometres per hour, but that doesn’t seem to wipe the smile from Pang’s face.
Originally from Borneo, Pang said that while this is his first rally, he’s done a lot of circuit racing.
“Circuit is different, but I prefer the open road now I’ve tried it,” Pang said.
“To drive on the closed streets really fast is a really fun experience. I’m learning to trust the co-driver, I need him and I need to be patient with him too. We are having a lot of fun.”
In fourth place in the Targa 165 is the Mayor for the City of Swan, Kevin Bailey and his co-driver Eric Purvis both rookies to Targa West but they did compete in the one-day Targa South West in August.
“I was an overqualified spectator and I thought what am I waiting for, why not give it a go, and here I am. I would love to see more rallying in the City of Swan, this is just a fantastic event,” Bailey said.
You won’t hear them coming, and if you blink you might miss seeing them. The eerily silent but speedy electric Telsa 3 Performance+ car of Jurgen and Helen Lunssman have increased their overall lead today in the Targa 130 category by 7.04 minutes ahead of David and Anna Hodges in their 2013 Holden VF SSV. The Targa 130 category restricts drivers to 130 kilometres per hour.
The hot weather has the reverse effect on the electric car.
“The battery actually likes the heat, so it works in our favour. The only downside is that it uses slightly more charge keeping the car cool,” Jurgen said.
2 Day Rallye
The 2 Day Rallye is a shortened version of Make Smoking History Targa West for competitors who can only commit to the weekend, and they race the same stages as the other competitors.
Among the four competitors, Paul Pernechele and co-driver Ben Trager were dominant in their classic V8 1971 Ford Falcon XY finishing the day 4:40 minutes faster than nearest rivals.
Tomorrow – Leg 3, Day 4, The Finalé
Tomorrow, the Finalé, is all about taking risks and driving to the limit if an advancement is in reach or preserving position if it isn’t.
There are six stages and 35.61 competitive kilometres for drivers to contest, all of them with kerbs, gutters and tight turns.
The short day of street style racing starts with three stages in Malaga from 8.40am, including jaw-dropping demonstrations of Drift Cars by D1WA. The final three sprint-style stages take place along picturesque Riverside Drive and the Perth Concert Hall carpark from 1pm.
The podium finish and champagne spray will be under the archway on Riverside Drive 3.15pm.
From 10am Sunday, not to be missed is the Shannons Classics on the Swan, a huge collection of stunning classics along Riverside Drive, the Celebration of Motorsport on Langley Park along with the All Ford Day that collectively see more than 1,000 cars, bikes and boats on display.
Remember to be sun smart, the forecast for Sunday is a hot 34 degrees.
Competitors start at 30-second intervals, with the winner being the fastest over all 36 stages, a total of 268 competitive kilometres, across four days.
Download the Make Smoke History Targa West Spectator Guide here, includes more detailed information including times and maps.
For more information, visit www.targawest.com.au and keep up to date on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/targawest