Competitors to watch
Reigning champion Mark Greenham (Forrestfield) in his winning 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 will be looking to repeat his hard-earned victory last year.
Will White (Dardanup) who finished second last year in his 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer will be hoping his new car, a 2018 Nissan GTR Nismo, can take him to that elusive top step.
Jeffrey Foster (Bicton) is expected to be a front runner again this year in his 2019 Porsche 911 after finishing 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.
Four-time winner Steve Jones (Attadale) in his 2008 Nissan R35 GTR has been absent from the podium for a few years and you can bet he’ll be itching to take a step this year.
David Heaton (Dalkeith) has a new 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS and employed the services of one of Australia’s best co-drivers and driver coach Steve Glenney.
Mark Cates (Bunbury) hasn’t stepped onto the Targa West podium after four attempts, but with a DNF last year and more racing kilometres under his belt, he’ll be pushing his 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS to the limit.
WA State Rally Champion on gravel, John O’Dowd (Gooseberry Hill) has bought a new car specifically for tarmac rallying, a 2017 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, owned racing great Jim Richards who raced it at Targa Tasmania.
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.
There are 14 female competitors including one driver, Cindy Gielingh-Jones racing her cute bright orange 1967 Morris Mini Minor with her son Ewan calling notes.
There are six husband and wife teams who are driver and co-driver including the rally’s only electric car entrant, Jurgen and Helen Lunsmann in their 2019 Tesla Model 3P+ in the Targa 165 category.
There’s 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.
In Make Smoking History Targa West 17-year history, only six champions have taken the title in the Competition Modern category; Mark Greenham (2020), Peter Major (6-time champion 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019), Peter Rullo (2018), Steve Jones (2008, 2009, 2011, 2014), Jim Richards (2007, 2012) and Ross Dunkerton (2005, 2006).
For more information and live results, visit www.targawest.com.au. |