We recently talked about the added attractions and it’s been a case of ‘the best laid plans’ with some necessary changes.
F1 legend Chris Amon is currently experiencing minor ill health and has had to withdraw so the vehicle he was driving, Lexus’s ISF has been replaced. The various guests from the cities, towns and District Councils will now be driven by Targa Competitor Neil Tolich in his Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Neil is the owner of the 1970 Ford Perana Capri V8 that has won Targa’s Classic Class in the past. Neil did not enter this year as only just returned from Europe where he has been classic car racing.
The health issues don’t stop there. Owen Evans and son Mitch were to be driving the all new Porsche Panamera luxury grand tourer however, as late as this morning, Owen has to go into hospital for minor surgery next week. Consequently other ‘options’ are being explored.
The third of these ‘special’ entries is V8 Supercar driver Shane van Gisbergen driving his dad Robert through in an EL Falcon GT (circa 1996-98). Shane is driving in the V8 Supercar event at Surfers Paradise on the Sunday and will then join his dad as soon as possible. Ford NZ have now stepped in and supplying them with a brand new F6 Falcon – FPV variant.
Currently there are still changes going on with the entries – additions not withdrawals ! The current list is:
- 37 – Metalman Classic Competition
- 56 – Modern Competition
- 20 – Targa Tour
- 13 – Taranaki One Day
- 19 – Wellington One Day
The only withdrawal is the Canadian entry Kelly Silverthorn who crashed his roadbike on Sunday and has broken his arm, so he is not travelling to NZ.
The latest competitor and seeding list is on the website: www.targa.co.nz/Dunlop-Targa-2009_958.aspx
Full detail on the 6 day 15th Anniversary Targa, and a free comprehensive programme, is in the NZ Classic Car magazine (November issue) in bookstores now.
The basic itinerary is as follows.
Sunday 25th October – Telstra Clear Events Centre, Great South Rd, Manukau City
- 09.00 – 11.00 Documentation, Scrutineering
- 11.00 – 11.30 Targa Tour & Service Crew Briefing
- 12.00 – 13.00 All Drivers including New Targa Entrants Briefing
- 13.30 Manukau City Prologue 1, First Car Away
- 14.55 First car finishes at Manukau – cars parked at Telstra Clear Events Centre
Monday 26th October (Labour Day)
- 08.35 First Car leaves Manukau – 7 Special Stages totalling 101km (with 313km of touring)
- 12.00 Lunch Break at Te Awamutu
- 17.50 First car finishes at Taupo
- Car Show & Shine at Taupo Town Centre – cars parked in Tuwharetoa Street in the Town Centre
Tuesday 27th October
- 07.20 First Car leaves Taupo – 8 Special Stages totalling 177km (with 364km of touring)
- 11.25 Lunch Break at Te Kuiti
- 17.45 First car finishes at New Plymouth
- Car Show & Shine at New Plymouth Town Centre (Devon Street East)
- 19.30 cars parked at Centre City Parking Building
Wednesday 28th October
- 08.15 First Car leaves New Plymouth – 6 Special Stages totalling 156km (with 242km of touring)
- 11.40 Lunch Break at Whangamomona
- 17.05 First car finishes at Wanganui – cars parked at Wanganui War Memorial Hall
Thursday 29th October
- 07.35 First Car leaves Wanganui – 8 Special Stages totalling 167km (with 305km of touring)
- 11.45 Lunch at Taihape
- 16.40 First car finishes at Palmerston North
- Cars parked at Palmerston North Square
Friday 30th October
- 07.50 First Car leaves Palmerston North – 8 Special Stages totalling 190km (with 338km of touring)
- 12.15 Lunch at Tui Brewery Mangatainoka
- 17.45 First car finishes at Taranaki Wharf, Wellington – Cars parked overnight at Taranaki Wharf
Saturday 31st October
- 08.40 First Car leaves Wellington – 8 Special Stages totalling 93km (with 210km of touring)
- 12.20 Lunch at Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt
- 16.40 First car finishes at the Official Finish at Wellington – cars parked at Taranaki Wharf
Sunday 1st November
- 09.00 Prize Giving & Breakfast is at the Wellington Town Hall
web www.targa.co.nz
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