Category: Targa West

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Start your engines: Make Smoking History Tarmac West races into Ellenbrook Thursday, Malaga and City on Sunday

 

 

Over 90 competitors are gearing up to race along the closed streets of Ellenbrook tomorrow night for the start of the Make Smoking History Tarmac West.

Running a new format in 2023, the Make Smoking History Tarmac West will comprise of three short and fast Rallysprint events.

Rally action at the Midland Toyota Ellenbrook Rallysprint starts tomorrow (Thursday, 7th September) at 6pm with competitors starting in 30-second intervals to race along the 1.8km stage four times, a total of 5.6 competitive kilometres.

Always a crowd favourite, with thousands of spectators expected to line the streets, it promises to be an evening of thrilling high-speed action. Rally drivers love nothing more than an audience, but they will need to exercise caution to avoid the high car-breaking kerbs.

Off track, the entertainment in Ellenbrook starts at 4pm with vibrant market stalls, kids’ activities, and mouth-watering food truck eats.  

Sunday is fun day. From 8am to 11.30am on Sunday 10th September, the industrial area of Malaga will screech to life as competitors throw their cars sideways around tight corners and go flat out on straights along the 5.85km stage. They’ll each tackle the stage four times, a total of 23.4 competitive kilometres.

Also on Sunday morning, the Engine Shop City Sprint, which is for drivers only (no co-drivers), will run in the Terrace Road car park adjacent to Victoria Ave from 9am to 12pm.

Following on, from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, the competitive action continues in the City of Perth Rallysprint. Competitors will negotiate 2.1km of twisty turns at speed in the Terrace Road car park and then hit full pace along Riverside Drive, adjacent to Langley Park. They’ll do this four times to clock up 8.4 competitive kilometres.

The car with the fastest time overall, wins.

From 10am to 3pm on Sunday, the city will be transformed into a motoring enthusiasts’ Mecca. The Schlam Celebration of Motorsport and the Celebration of Hot Rods and Street Machines is the finest collection of automobiles with hundreds of vehicles from all eras on display, along with the Shannons Classics on the Swan on the river’s edge.

Check out the Ridin’ Free Stunt Team, jump on the Red School Bus Monster Truck or the kiddos Lions Train Rides, and there’s fun Helicopter rides too.

Best of all, it’s all free entry.

Competitors to watch

In the past couple of years, Troy Wilson (#1) has left the competition in his dust, dominating in his 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10. The fearless former West Coast Eagle will be looking for a repeat performance.

Matt Cherry (#2) finished second outright in Malaga last year in his pocket rocket, a Racing Dynamics 1982 Toyota Starlet. That little red hatchback is fast, blink and you’ll miss it.

Mark Cates (#3) might still be having nightmares about Ellenbrook’s high kerbs after they ended his rally in 2020. With a new full-factory carbon-fibre limited edition race car, one of only 200 in the world, you can bet he’ll be testing the limits in his Axis Hire 2019 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Club Sport.

Peter Rullo (#44) won’t want a repeat of last year’s disaster when delaminated tyres forced a retirement. He is fast in his 2020 SSC Lotus Exige GT and with his son a favourite, you can bet the competition will be fierce given bragging rights at family dinners on the line.

Alex Rullo (#4) has a few Targa events under his belt, he’s raced in V8 Supercars, and in gravel rallies. In his 2020 Hyundai i20 Rally 2, he’ll be pushing it to the limit to beat his old man.

Will White (#6) has now had a few seasons to get to grips with his powerful and heavy Dardenup Removals 2018 Nissan GTR Nismo, so he’s expected to be in the mix.

Daniel Gonzalez (#22) has shown real pace at past events and the same is expected this year in his Realty Lane 1999 Porsche 911 GT3.

In his previous car, Simon Gunson (#35) was unstoppable in the classic category. That car is sold, and this year he’s in another classic, his GTi Process Controls 1980 Ford Escort Mk II.

The oldest car is the WA Salvage Liquidations 1967 Mini Cooper driven by Nigel Jones (#84), a nostalgic crowd favourite.

Just because it grunts like an angry bull, watch out for Chris Caruso (#14) in his Wyldcat Racing 2008 Dodge Viper ACR.

From Mustangs to Mitsubishi Evos, Fords to Holdens, and a big mix of Chevrolets, Subarus, BMWs, Datsuns, Hondas, Teslas and more, there’s a huge mix of cars and characters that’ll create high-octane excitement that only Tarmac West can generate.

 

The 2023 Tarmac Events WA Rally Calendar

Make Smoking History Tarmac West

7 – 10 September

The Engine Shop City Sprint

10 September

GT Fabrication Bunbury Rallysprint

19 November

Make Smoking History Tarmac Cup

Annual Series

Shannons Rallysprint at Perth Motorplex

Five events held on Thursdays once per month from November to March

For assistance on quitting smoking, please see www.quitnow.gov.au.

 

 

 

 

 

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SCHLAM WELCOMED AS SPONSOR FOR THE CELEBRATION OF MOTORSPORT AT THE 2023 TARGA WEST RALLY

Ross Tapper from Targa West Events is proud to announce and welcomes Schlam, a company with strong ties to the community, as the official sponsor of the 2023 Celebration of Motorsport on Sunday, 10 September.

The iconic event, a cornerstone of Perth’s motorsport calendar, will make a thrilling return to Langley Park in the Perth CBD, concluding the exhilarating four-day Targa West Rally, running from 7-10 September.

Schlam’s sponsorship of the Celebration of Motorsport is a testament to their dedication to the motorsport community. By sponsoring this event, Schlam recognises the hard work, commitment, and precision of competitors, volunteers, and enthusiasts.

“We are proud to support the remarkable skill and passion of the drivers at the Targa West Rally,” stated Schlam’s General Manager, Mathew Rigby. “These individuals push their limits to achieve greatness, providing a thrilling spectacle for all motorsport enthusiasts.”

With 25 years of experience, Schlam is a leading provider of diversified mining and engineering services. With a dynamic team of specialists, Schlam excels in maintaining, repairing, and rebuilding heavy mobile equipment and fixed plants. The company’s innovative mindset and commitment to solving complex maintenance challenges have helped unlock productivity opportunities for their mining partners. Whether it’s for a one-off problem or a planned maintenance shutdown, Schlam delivers reliable, value-adding services that empower clients to achieve more with less, always aiming higher.

The Schlam Celebration of Motorsport promises a day brimming with excitement. Spectators can look forward to an atmosphere of vibrant carnival set against the backdrop of the Targa Rally Sprint, Targa City Sprint, and Shannons Classics on the Swan. The event will showcase Perth’s largest collection of Motorsport vehicles and various interactive workshops, including a demonstration of Radio Rally Club’s remote-control cars, Motorcycling WA’s workshop for young riders, with opportunities to ride the Viper Wheelie Machine, helicopter rides, food vans and much more.

Join us for the Schlam Celebration of Motorsport on Sunday, 10 September, at Langley Park, Perth. Admission is FREE, ensuring a memorable day that encapsulates the spirit of motorsport for all attendees.

For more information about Schlam, please visit the official website at www.schlam.com

 

 

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Domination by Troy Wilson for a Hat Trick

Troy Wilson, winner of 2022 Make Smoking History Targa Malaga Sprint. Credit: Brett Sandells
Sunday 18th September was the third and final instalment of 2022 Make Smoking History Targa West, the Make Smoking History Targa Malaga Sprint.
 
The fast 6-kilometre course on the closed roads in Malaga’s industrial area in Perth has always been a firm favourite for drivers and spectators. 
 
Shortened this year to meet rallysprint regulations and to avoid the newly built BP service station, 70 drivers raced the clock along the street circuit four times. 
 
Troy Wilson took the outright win convincingly in his 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10 with co-driver Frank Guildea, leading from start to finish, already 8 seconds ahead after the first run. 
 
First-time competitors in Malaga, Wilson / Guildea finished all four runs 24 seconds ahead of Matt Cherry and co-driver Cade Bell in their highly modified 1982 Toyota Starlet. Third place went to Cody Harris and Morgan Ward in their 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 MR, who finished 2.5 seconds behind Cherry / Bell.
 
The ex-West Coast Eagle AFL footballer won the first two rallies in the Make Smoking History Targa West series, namely, the Midland Toyota Targa Ellenbrook Sprint and The City of Perth Targa Rallysprint, both held last weekend. 
 
Sitting on a hat trick ahead of the Make Smoking History Targa Malaga Sprint, Wilson said he didn’t know what to expect.
 
“Being rally, it’s different to any other type of motorsport, as in there’s no practice, you don’t get to drive on the stage beforehand at speed, so it’s tricky to balance how fast to go – there’s no concept or idea of braking points, grip level, or speeds to carry through corners. You don’t know those things without any practice, and I love that challenge,” Wilson said. 
 
“There were a lot of fast cars there today, a few more big hitters, but I had a little bit of luck on my side, I managed to get through four clean runs, which gave me good times.
 
“The crowds were awesome; it was so good to see so many people out and about. 
 
“I told Ross [Tapper, Event Director] that next year we should make Malaga a full day rather a half day, eight runs instead of four, which would make it even better,” said Wilson, who has his sights set on the GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint held 12th and 13th November.
 
“After today, I can say that Bunbury is my second favourite rallysprint, I really, really like Malaga; it’s got more speed than Bunbury; we had a great day,” said Wilson. 
  
For second-placed Matt Cherry, he was happy with his car and his rally performance, given he hasn’t raced for a year. 
 
“It’s not bad for a 1982 Toyota Starlet!” Cherry quipped, who also took a class win in the Open Rallyspint 2WD 2000cc and over.
 
“It’s always surprising to do well in such great company among some heavy hitters, and always good to mix it up at the front of the pack,” said Cherry, a self-employed electrician from Duncraig.  
 
“I held back a bit on the first two runs – I haven’t raced in a year and the boys did some mods on the car. 
 
“The car was unreal, Racing Dynamics do an amazing job – I had the boss Cade Bell next to me calling notes, I’ve known him for 20 years from go-karting days, and besides Bunbury, this was the first time listening to notes for me, so it’s a big learning curve,” said Cherry. 
 
Cherry said that some teething issues with the car prevented him from competing in the Ellenbrook and the City rallysprints last weekend.
 
It was the first time Cody Harris has tackled the timed street circuit in Malaga only to finish third outright. 
 
“Malaga was really fast, some of the fastest driving I’ve done in this car, I had a lot of fun,” said Harris of Caversham. 
 
“It’s new to me, I’m still learning and figuring things out and hopefully I’ll get a lot quicker later in the year.”
 
Harris was running in second place at the Targa Bunbury Sprint last year when a fuel pump failure forced him to retire.
 
“Redemption in Bunbury – that’s what I’m going for!” said Harris. 
 
Bunbury resident Mark Cates finished fourth outright in his 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS with co-driver Pete Davies, also winning the Targa Cup Outright Driver class and Targa Cup 2WD 2000cc and over. 
 
“Malaga is always fun, there’s some distance, there’s speed, it’s technical, and today it ran like clockwork, the organisers did a magnificent job,” said Cates.
 
“We had a good day out, I was super consistent, within half a second in every run. 
 
“There were good crowds, and at one stage, we came around a corner sideways and saw the crowd roar, it looked good, that’s fun,” said Cates.
 
Cates will miss his hometown rally, the GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Rallysprint in November to “have a red-hot crack” at the Street Car Record in Bathurst. 
 
Finishing 8 seconds behind Cates / Davies rounding out the top five was Daniel Gonzalez and co-driver Caleb Ash in their 1999 Porsche 911 GT3.
 
It was an unfortunate day for Peter Rullo and co-driver Jimmy Marquet in their 2020 SSC Lotus Exige GT when two rear left tyres delaminated, forcing them to retire after the second run. 
 
Event Director Ross Tapper said that it was a terrific day of street rally competition.
 
“We’ve received a lot of positive feedback and I’d like to thank all the businesses in Malaga for allowing us to run the rally here,” Tapper said.
 
“The weather was perfect, thousands of spectators lined the streets to watch all the motorsport action, and importantly, everyone who started the rally finished safely. We couldn’t ask for anything more.”
 
Next: GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint, 12th – 13th November  
 
Stay up to date by visiting www.targawest.com.au and like on www.facebook.com/targawest
 
 RESULTS
 
Place Car No Driver / Co-Driver Vehicle Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Run 4 Total
1 4 Troy Wilson / Frank Guildea  2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10  3:27.50 3:28.61 3:28.31 3:27.21 13:51.64
2 16 Matt Cherry / Cade Bell  1982 Toyota Starlet  3:36.78 3:34.27 3:30.67 3:32.58 14:14.32
3 19 Cody Harris / Morgan Ward  2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 MR  3:35.67 3:34.15 3:34.70 3:33.20 14:17.73
4 3 Mark Cates / Pete Davies  2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS  3:36.61 3:36.66 3:36.35 3:36.01 14:25.64
5 23 Daniel Gonzalez / Caleb Ash  1999 Porsche 911 GT3  3:39.40 3:39.24 3:37.69 3:37.16 14:33.50
 
For full results, visit www.targawest.com.au. 
Troy Wilson, winner of all three sprints at 2022 Make Smoking History Targa West.
Credit: Timothy Wilson / Real Human Photography
Matt Cherry, 2nd outright at Make Smoking History Targa Malaga Sprint. Credit: Elevation Digital 
Cody Harris, 3rd outright Make Smoking History Targa Malaga Sprint. Credit: Unlabelled Photography
Troy Wilson, winner of all three Make Smoking History Targa West sprints. Credit: CMR Photographic
Mark Cates 4th place at Make Smoking History Targa Malaga Sprint. Credit: Tim Allott
Peter Rullo – retired after two runs due to rear tyre delaminating. 
Credit: Timothy Wilson Real Human Photography
Daniel Gonzalez, 5th place at Make Smoking History Targa Malaga Sprint. Credit: Timothy Wilson Real Human Photography
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Wilson wins Midland Toyota Targa Ellenbrook Sprint in front of thousands of fans

Troy Wilson, winner of 2022 Make Smoking History Targa West event, the Midland Toyota Targa Ellenbrook Sprint. Credit: CMR Photographic

 

 

 

Troy Wilson has left the competition in his dust with an outright win at the Midland Toyota Targa Ellenbrook Sprint in his 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10 with co-driver Frank Guildea.
 
Racing the clock four times on a 2.3-kilometre street stage on Ellenbrook’s closed roads, Wilson finished 11 seconds faster than his nearest rival Cody Harris and co-driver Morgan Ward in their 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 MR.
 
Rounding out the top three was two-time Targa West winner (2021 and 2018) Peter Rullo and co-driver Jimmy Marquet in their 2020 SSC Lotus Exige GT, 3.2 seconds behind Harris. 
 
While Wilson is no stranger to the short-format sprint races – he’s a four-time winner of the GT Fabrication Bunbury Sprint – he hasn’t competed for eight months. 
 
“The last thing you want to do is come out after eight months and have it end in tears,” said Wilson.
 
“In every run, I was a second faster than the last; everything went perfectly to plan, well, almost.
 
“The throttle was sticking a little bit at quarter-throttle, which was pushing the car around the corners, and we’re hoping to get the car sorted tonight, ready for tomorrow. 
 
“I didn’t know what to expect racing in Ellenbrook because at an event like this, there’s no practise, you’re not allowed to drive on the course at all at speed, you have no idea of grip level, plus there’s big kerbs and buildings that can catch you out quickly.
 
“You want to drive as fast as you can, but you don’t want to make silly mistakes and crash the car; you need to find that balance. I feel like I found that balance today.
 
“Best of all, I was able to win and finish with all the wheels on and everything intact,” Wilson said. 
 
Wilson complimented Event Director Ross Tapper and all the volunteers for a great job and a smooth event. 
 
“It’s always awesome racing in front of the crowd, and when the weather is perfect like it was today, it’s unbeatable – I expect tomorrow will be even bigger in the city.”
 
For second place, Cody Harris, like Wilson, it was his first time competing on the streets of Ellenbrook.
 
“I thought the layout was brilliant, but it was very hard to be committing, the kerbs are really big, so there’s a lot of risk involved,” said Harris. 
 
“The atmosphere was awesome there were so many spectators – it was a really well-run event from Ross and the team.
 
“The car came out pretty straight; it’s a relatively new set-up for me; I’m happy with the result. 
 
“Tomorrow, the course suits me, there’s not those long stretches for Troy [Wilson] to open up his car, so we might have a decent chance,” said Harris, who last month won an outright rallysprint. 
 
Harris is set to be formidable competition on the City stage. He won the 2018 and 2019 Targa 4WD up to 3500cc, and in 2020 he won the open class. 
 
Third place Peter Rullo said it was an absolutely great event, even if it’s not his favourite rally format. 
 
“There was a great community atmosphere, and I had so many people coming up to me saying that they loved seeing the car and the racing so close to home that they didn’t need to pay to go to,” said Rullo. 
 
“Personally, I prefer the longer, faster flowing, winding stages like in Kalamunda and Mundaring rather than street courses with 90-degree corners and kerbs either side, but we’re happy to support Targa West. 
 
“It was good to see so many competitors, and I’m happy to finish first in our class and third outright,” said Rullo, who won the Targa Cup 2WD over 2000cc class. 
 
In fourth outright was an EV, a 2019 Tesla Model 3P+ driven by Jurgen Lunsmann with his wife Helen Lunsmann in the navigator’s seat. Winning their class, the duo was just six-tenths of a second from an outright podium finish.
 
The rally action started with 89 competitors and ended without incident; just three cars didn’t finish due to mechanical reasons. 
 
The warm sunny spring day attracted about 6,000 spectators who lined the Ellenbrook streets to watch the action, see the classic cars at the Show n Shine and enjoy the fun at the mini fair.
 
Targa West officially kicked off on World EV Day (Friday 9th September) with an electrifying display of 50 EV vehicles alongside Targa West rally cars, street machines and hot rods in Forrest Place.

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New format for this year’s Make Smoking History Targa West  

Simon Gunson putting on a show for the crowd in the City of Perth in his 1971 Ford Capri Perana. Photo: Gemma Lucas
  •  
  • Short rallysprint format
  • World EV Day city display
  • Street racing in Ellenbrook and Malaga
  • New Celebration of Street Machines and Hot Rods display


This year sees a new format for Western Australia’s premier tarmac rally, Make Smoking History Targa West, held in Perth with various short sprint events and car displays from 9thto 18th September.
 
On World EV Day, Friday 9th September, there’ll be electric vehicles on display alongside Targa West rally cars, street machines and hot rods from 10am to 8pm in Forrest Place that’ll spill into Murray Street in the City of Perth.
 
The popular street race, Midland Toyota Targa Ellenbrook Sprint, returns on Saturday 10th September with an improved course extended to 2.3 kilometres with each driver racing the clock four times. Last year, more than 6,000 fans lined the streets of Ellenbrook as man and machine roared excitement into the northern Perth suburb. 
 
The City of Perth Celebration of Motorsport and the Shannons Classics on the Swan are set to be bigger than ever with all manner of motorsport and motor vehicles on display at Langley Park and on Riverside Drive on Sunday 11th September. 
 
New this year is the Celebration of Street Machines and Hot Rods with over 100 mean-looking immaculate machines joining the display on Langley Park. In total, there’s over 500 vehicles expected on Langley Park and along the river, and entry is free.
 
There will be plenty of activities for the whole family including BMX high flying display, the Viper Wheelie motorbikes rides, remote control cars, hill trolley rides, scenic helicopter flights and food trucks. 
 
On Sunday 11th September, there’s exciting racing action with the Engine Shop Targa City Sprint in the morning and The City of Perth Targa Rallysprint, the last round for the coveted Targa Cup, in the afternoon. 
 
The 2.1-kilometre City of Perth course will see 80 rally drivers fanging around corners and going flat out along the straight Riverside Drive to get the fastest time. They’ll need to watch the kerbs which can be tyre killers. 

One week later on Sunday 18th September, the Make Smoking History Targa Malaga Rallysprint will see 70 drivers race along the 6-kilometre course. The fast Malaga course has always been a driver and spectator favourite. 
 
The changes to Targa West this year come as a result of Motorsport Australia’s Targa Review Panel investigation into the incidents at Targa Tasmania earlier this year and the subsequent decision from the governing body to suspend permits for all Targa style rally events this year. 
 
Targa West organisers take competitor and spectator safety very seriously. There has not been a serious or fatal incident at Targa West for the past 16 years.
 
Event Director Ross Tapper said that he’s happy that sponsors have recognised the high standards imposed on all Targa West events and have continued with their support.
 
“It’s no secret, these are challenge times and it has nothing to do with Covid,” said Tapper.
 
“We’ve adapted to run an event for drivers and motoring enthusiasts this year in short rallysprint formats rather than the endurance of a traditional tarmac rally.
 
“We’re putting more emphasis on the off-track entertainment with the Celebration of Motorsport, Classics on the Swan and the new Hot Rod and Street Machine displays – something for every car lover.” 
 
To be kept up to date with Targa West events, please see www.targawest.com.au and like www.facebook.com/targawest

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Two for Rullo and Gunson takes a hat trick – Make Smoking History Targa West

For all the class leaders, the finale today was about preserving their lead and not taking any unnecessary risks.

Day 4, Leg 4 was held in Perth with six city stages, a total of 35.55 competitive kilometres, all of them with kerbs, gutters and tight turns.

Bright blue skies and 22 degrees saw thousands line the streets of Malaga in the morning for the first three stages of the day, and thousands more in the City of Perth for the final three sprint-style stages along Riverside Drive.

Langley Park was transformed into a rev head’s dream with over 500 cars, bikes and motorbikes at the Celebration of Motorsport, and along Riverside Drive, the Shannons Classics on the Swan saw a huge collection of stunning classic cars from yesteryear.

Make Smoking History Targa West competitors start at 30-second intervals, with the winner being the fastest over all 37 stages, a total of 272 competitive kilometres, across four days.

The event 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 wants to thank each and every official, all competitors, sponsors, crew and spectators.

“To run a smooth and safe rally that’s enjoyable for all is what we aim to do, and this year has been outstanding,” Tapper said.
Competition Modern Podium. Photo: Elevation Digital
Rullo / Marquet. Photo: Dianne Bortoletto

Competition Modern

Taking the title for the second time was Peter Rullo with co-driver and long-time friend Jimmy Marquet in their 2020 SSC Lotus Exige GT.

The duo took a strategic approach to win the Make Smoking History Targa West, increasing their lead incrementally day by day to repeat the success of 2018 which is when Rullo / Marquee won their first title, after 10 attempts. This year is the 13th Targa West for both of them and after a disappointing DNF last year, victory never tasted so sweet.

Rullo / Marquet finished fastest or equal fastest in 21 of the 37 stages and finished second fastest in 13 stages to take the overall win 1:39 minutes ahead of Steve Jones and co-driver Caleb Ash in their 2008 Nissan R35 GTR. It was a flawless Targa West for the duo.

“This is what we love to do and there’s not too many places in Australia where you can enjoy this type of event, so thanks to everyone who worked to make it happen,” said Rullo of Gooseberry Hill.

“We had an awesome lead up and Jimmy was faultless – you do need to listen to the co-driver! The whole event went exactly to plan.”

Co-driver Jimmy Marquet said that Rullo drove a clinically perfect rally.

“Peter hit every apex, every breaking point, he was faultless all event. We had a different lead up and the plan was to chip away stage by stage, which worked,” Marquet said.

Steve Jones, a four-time Targa West winner, hasn’t competed in the rally for five years, and after winning smaller sister rally, Make Smoking History Targa South West held in Manjimup in May, it seems rallying is once again in his blood.

Jones / Ash finished fastest or equal fasted on 9 stages and second on 11 stages, proving that a hiatus hasn’t diminished his driving sharps.

Jones reported sliding issued with his GTR up until yesterday afternoon when the two back tyres were changed, which showed in the results as he took five wins from the last eight stages. Today’s tight city stages stages were more of challenge.

“We’re very pleased with how we went considering it was a tough weekend with the car – tough on us, on the crew, on the car, but we’re happy,” said 37-year-old Jones.

Taking third overall and newbie to the podium is David Heaton with co-driver and driving trainer Steve Glenney. The package of a new car, Heaton’s 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS and Glenney’s training reaped results. The duo finished 2:13 minutes behind the leader in Heaton’s best result in 12 Targa West rallies.

Yesterday, Heaton took his first stage win and today he took three more, all the Malaga stages. It seems the taste of victory has truly taken hold.

“Targa West is the one we wanted to crack, we’re pretty stoked,” said Heaton.

“I’m super stoked, I learned a lot with Steve in the car, and we knew we were on it at Malaga, and thought we’d have a crack, we wanted to take one off Rullo, so it was nice to have a few wins over Rullo.”

Jumping up a place on the overall leader board yesterday to finish in fourth outright today is Mark Cates in his 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS with Tasmanian co-driver Anthony Carr.

This is Cates’ fourth Targa West, last year was a DNF and his best result was fifth in 2019.  He’s clocking up some racing kilometres competing in as many Targa events as he can in WA and the eastern states to be a serious future title contender.

Cates / Carr finished fastest and equal fastest on both Zig Zag stages in Kalamunda on Day 2, and had a few ‘moments’ that they recovered from to finish strong.

“It was a good outcome, we got what we deserved and landed exactly where we wanted to be, the other three are another class above us, but we put everything we had into it and we’re thoroughly pleased,” said Bunbury resident Cates.

“A new co-driver is always tricky, but Anthony and I gelled well and he did a great job.

“Rullo, Jones and Heaton outclassed us, and it was particularly great to see Dave Heaton on a podium, it brought a tear to my eye,” said Cates.

Rounding out the top five outright was Brett Morse and Rodney Ng in their 2019 BMW M2 Competition, finishing 4:49 minutes behind the rally leader.

In Make Smoking History Targa West 17-year history, only six champions have taken the title in the Competition Modern category; Peter Rullo (2021, 2018), Mark Greenham (2020), Peter Major (6-time champion 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019), Steve Jones (2008, 2009, 2011, 2014), Jim Richards (2007, 2012) and Ross Dunkerton (2005, 2006).

Overall Competition Modern
Pos No Crew Vehicle Total
Gap 1st 
1 62 RULLO
MARQUET		 SSC Lotus
Exige Targa GT		 2:10:56
+
2 23 JONES
ASH		 Nissan
R35 GTR		 2:12:41
+01:45
3 36 HEATON
GLENNEY		 Porsche
911 GT2 RS		 2:13:10
+02:14
4 69 CATES
CARR		 Porsche
911 GT3 RS		 2:15:27
+04:31
5 87 MORSE
NG		 BMW
M2 Competition		 2:15:47
+04:51
Steve Jones does a shoey (Peter Rullo’s shoe) Photo: Elevation Digital
Mark Cates / Anthony Carr. Photo: Elevation Digital

Competition Classic

Hat trick! Competition Classic winning driver Simon Gunson has scored a hat trick with three firsts in a row, and his co-driver Nigel Jones is the only competitor to have contested all 17 Targa West rallies.

Gunson has previously won the Classic Drivers title in 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2020.

With a healthy lead going into the finale today, Gunson / Jones just had to preserve their lead in their 1971 Ford Capri Perana. They did just that in Malaga but they couldn’t help themselves and tore through the last three city stages. They came out victors finishing 2:37 minutes ahead of Tim Wolfe and Scott Beckwith in their 1974 Porsche 911.

“We thought, well we had some rubber left on the tyres we might as well put on a bit of a show, that’s what people come out to see,” said Gunson.

“We’re really happy, it was a great rally and we’ve had tremendous support, thanks to everyone – especially our service crew who are a great bunch of mates.”

Gunson’s service crew consists of a group of friends he’s known for 20 years, and every Wednesday night they get together to work on the car.

The battle for second and third outright was on with Tim Wolfe and Scott Beckwith just 3 seconds ahead of Nathan and Kevin Ellement at the start of the day.

Both were giving it their all and fanging it around Malaga this morning trying to make up vital seconds.

Wolfe / Beckwith won all three Malaga stages and Ellement / Ellement won all three City of Perth stages, but it wasn’t enough to change the leader board.

Wolfe / Beckwith finished on the second step of the podium just 2 seconds ahead of the Ellements in their 1985 Chevrolet Corvette C4.

“It’s been amazing, created to my co-driver Scott who coaches me too, he did an amazing job, as did the KTEC team that keep this 47-year-old girl going,” said Wolfe, referring to his 1974 Porsche 911.

Overall Competition Classic
Pos No Crew Vehicle Total
Gap 1st 
1 16 GUNSON
JONES		 Ford
Capri Perana		 2:20:40
+
2 37 WOLFE
BECKWITH		 Porsche
911 RS		 2:23:17
+02:37
3 41 ELLEMENT
ELLEMENT		 Chevrolet
Corvette C4		 2:23:19
+02:39
Simon Gunson / Nigel Jones. Photo: Tim Allott
Simon Gunson. Photo: Dianne Bortoletto
Nathan Ellement and Kevin Ellement. Photo: image1265

Targa 165 and Targa 130

An impressive number of stage wins for Jurgen and Helen Lunsmann in their Tesla 3 Performance+ saw them take the lead early in Make Smoking History Targa West 165 class and they never looked back.

Of 37 stages, they won 36, only backing off in the middle of yesterday’s marathon day to preserve charge in their EV, earning them the top step of the podium.

“I’m equal parts stoked and relieved. I’m happy with our decision to step up to the 165 class and I’m itching to up the charge and enter the outright class and have a crack,” Jurgen Lunsmann said.

Finishing second outright were Targa West rookies Mathew St Guillaume and co-driver James Brittain in their 2006 Porsche Cayman.

The duo won their class at the shorter Targa South West rally held in May, and are a good example of how to start a rally career and move up the ranks to bigger events.

“Firstly massive thank you to all the volunteers and officials that make this event possible,” said St Guillaume.

“Wow what an amazing four days. We started slowly as we hadn’t had any seat time since Targa South West and kept building until we found our speed by Saturday. We loved the friendly competition with our fellow 165 racers and a big shout out to the KTEC team.”

Finishing the day in third place are rookies Paul Oxley and Yvonne Mulligan in their 2000 Subaru Impreza WRX.

“We’ve had a ball and we’ve learnt a lot,” said Mulligan, who is Oxley’s co-driver and partner.

“We’re still talking to each other, so that’s a good sign! He calms me when I’m stressed and I do that same for him, so we seem to balance each other out well in the car, it’s been great.”

The Targa 165 category restricts drivers to 165 kilometres per hour, while the Targa 130 category last year limits drivers to 130 kilometres per hour.

It might be the entry category for Making Smoking History Targa West, but it’s where some of the closest battles were fought.

They started this morning in third place, but rookies Aaron Williams and co-driver Rachel Ferrante in their 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7 battled hard and won four of today’s six stages and came out on top, to finish faster than Chris Beerens and Alex Butler in their 2011 Subaru WRX STI by 11 seconds.

Aaron Williams & Rachael Ferrante. Photo: Tim Allott

In third place overall 2:03 minutes behind the leader way Davyd Hooper and Jacob Teo in their 2016 AMG CLA45.

For more information and results visit www.targawest.com.au.

Make Smoking History Targa West is Perth’s premier tarmac rally and the only event in Perth that uses closed public roads for racing.
Jurgen and Helen Lunsmann. Photo: Tim Allott
Tim Wolfe / Scott Beckwith. Photo: Graeme Howie
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Day 1 – Off and racing, great start to Make Smoking History Targa West

Prepared and raring to go, this morning 64 of Western Australia’s best tarmac rally drivers were flagged off from the Hyatt Regency Hotel for the 17th Make Smoking History Targa West which concludes on Sunday 19thSeptember.

A cold and wet spring day provided mixed conditions for Day 1 of the rally that comprised of seven timed stages; three at Whiteman Park, two at Wanneroo Raceway (one stage was cancelled due to running late) and two street stages at Ellenbrook after dark that attracted about 6,000 spectators and included a smoking Drift Car demonstration by D1WA.

The four-day rally is the only event in Perth that uses closed public roads for racing.

The first stage of the day was not timed and does not count towards results.

Competition Modern

Day 1 was full of action from the get-go with reigning champion Mark Greenham (Forrestfield) forced to retire on SS2 with a mechanical issue in his 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 ending his rally.

2018 Targa West winner, Peter Rullo (Gooseberry Hill), had much to celebrate today, besides turning 50, he finished fastest on four of the seven stages in his 2020 SSC Lotus Exige GT with co-driver Jimmy Marquet (Riverton).

“This is a pretty good way to spend a birthday!” said Rullo. “We’re having fun and we’re looking forward to tomorrow.”

Rullo / Marquet finished the day on top with a 5-second lead ahead of Steve Jones and co-driver Caleb Ash in their 2008 Nissan R35 GTR and a 22-second lead over Brett Morse and Rodney Ng in their 2019 BMW M2 Competition.

 

Peter Rullo / Jimmy Marquet leading after Day 1. Photo: CMR Photographic

Four-time rally winner Steve Jones hasn’t competed in Make Smoking History Targa West since 2018 and has returned this year with all cylinders firing, winning three stages.

“I’ve missed it and I’m really happy to be back – I saw some rookies earlier and had a chat with them, gave them some tips, and I like being able to help and give a little back,” said Jones.

“The goal is firstly to have fun next to my co-driver and long-time friend Caleb Ash, he’s the calming influence and helps me keep my cool in the car, I’m the energetic one.

“Secondly, I’m competitive, so we’ll be aiming for a good finish for sure, but also to finish every stage – these street stages are hard to drive with this big car, it’s like driving a Landcruiser,” said Attadale resident Jones.

Jones’ car has some panel damage on the left hand side where he hit a tyre barrier after exiting a stage at Wanneroo.

Winning SS2, equal fastest with Rullo / Marquet, was husband and wife Bill and Glenys Stagoll (Gelorup) in their 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9.

“We started the day well, so we’re enjoying that while we can,” said Bill Stagoll. “We had a braking issue on one of the stages, I hit the brakes too late!”

The Stagolls finished the day in fourth place in the Competition Modern category.

The wet weather today and the tight stages didn’t suit all competitors, so we can expect to see some more exciting action tomorrow.
Brett Morse / Rodney Ng. Photo: CMR Photographic
Event Director Ross Tapper flags off Bill and Glenys Stagoll. Photo: Dianne Bortoletto

Competition Classic

Finishing on top was last year’s winner, Simon Gunson (Bibra Lake) in his 1971 Ford Capri Perana with co-driver Nigel Jones (San Remo), who incidentally is the only competitor to have competed in all 17 Targa West events.

Gunson / Jones won four stages which includes an equal first with Tim Wolfe and Scott Beckwith in their 1974 Porsche 911, to end the day 12 seconds ahead of Nathan Ellement (Oakford) and Keven Ellement (Golden Bay) in their 1985 Chevrolet Corvette C4. The Ellement cousins won both Ellenbrook stages.

Rounding out the top three was Wolfe / Beckwith who took two stage wins to end end 14 seconds behind the leader.

“So far so good. Tomorrow is a big day and I’m looking forward to the open stages, and hopefully building a bigger buffer,” said Gunson, referring to the rally lead.

Paul Pernechele (Gidgegannup) had an unfortunate start the day with a mechanical issue in his 1971 Ford Falcon XY but he was able to rejoin the rally to the delight of cheering fans in Ellenbrook.
Simon Gunson / Nigel Jones. Photo: Graeme Howie
Nathan Ellement and Kevin Ellement. Photo: image1265
Tim Wolfe and Scott Beckwith. Photo: image1265

Targa 165 and Targa 130

The eerily silent but speedy electric Telsa 3 Performance+ car of Jurgen and Helen Lunssman took a clean sweep of stage wins in the Targa 165 category to finish the day 1:06 minutes ahead of their nearest rival.

If you blink you might miss them because the husband and wife team are posting impressively fast times, so much so that they’d be sitting in fourth outright (ahead of Stagoll) if they’d entered the Competition Modern category.

Targa 165 category restricts drivers to 165 kilometres per hour.

The Mayor of the City of Swan Kevin Bailey (Bullsbrook) unfortunately went off on SS3 and was forced to retire before being able to compete in front of a home crowd at Ellenbrook. Both he and co-driver Eric Purvis (West Swan) are okay. The team are making repairs overnight and plan to rejoin the rally with penalties tomorrow.

Rookie and Targa 130 competitor Aaron Williams (Stratton) and co-driver Rachel Ferrante (Aveley) won four stages including both Ellenbrook street stages in their 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7 to end the day on top of the leaderboard 9 seconds ahead of Chris Beerens (Jane Book) and Alex Butler (East Vic Park) in their 2011 Subaru WRX STI.

Exactly 1:00 minute behind the leader were rookies Dylan O’Connor (Maida Vale) and Leigh Fowler (Maida Vale) in their 1998 Hyundai Excel.

Targa 130 category restricts drivers to 130 kilometres per hour.

Tomorrow – Day 2, Leg 2

Tomorrow, Make Smoking History Targa West starts the day at Mundaring with two stages at Parkerville, then onto Kalamunda for two stages before a service on Haynes Street, then the two famous Zig Zag stages and another in Kalamunda before ending the day with a service at the Hawaiian Shopping Centre Forrestfield Service Park. The rally cars head to Northbridge for the Show and Shine display 6pm to 9pm on James and Lake Streets.

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 competitors start at 30-second intervals, with the winner being the fastest over all 37 stages, a total of 272 competitive kilometres, across four days.

There are awards for the Competition Modern category, Competition Classic category, Targa 130 (limited to speeds of 130km/h), Targa 165 (limited to 165km/h) and Targa 2 Day Rallye where competitors compete just on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, visit www.targawest.com.au.
Jurgen and Helen Lunsmann. Photo: CMR Photographic
John O’Dowd and Toni Feaver lining up to start at Ellenbrook. Photo: Elevation Digital
Simon Gunson and Nigel Jones lining up to start at Ellenbrook. Photo: Elevation Digital
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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.

 

 

 

 

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