Targa Wrest Point Wrap
It was an action packed weekend at Targa Wrest Point, with
four TMR-prepared and managed Mitsubishi Evolutions competing for honours
across two different classes.
The 4WD Showroom category is a traditional STi/Evo battleground
and the latest instalment proved no exception. TMR clients Scott Millar and
Christopher Dean emerged victorious in their Hyperactive Designs Evolution X,
with a 16 second margin over the 2010 Subaru WRX STi of Newman/Lewis.
“There were some timing issues on the last day. At one stage
the timing showed Scott as being almost five minutes ahead of second place. I
told him to take it easy and preserve the car, which he did. Suddenly late in
the day the Newman car reappeared in our timing and was much closer than we had
thought!” explained TMR team boss Alan Heaphy, indicating that the 16 second
final margin could have been far greater.
Alan Evans, in a TMR-developed but independently-run Evo X,
crashed out of the 4WD Showroom challenge with a multiple roll-over accident
that resulted in a lot of car damage, but a fortunately unhurt crew. “That car
ran a bolt-in roll cage to our own specifications. Not only did it protect the
occupants but it hasn’t budged in the impact, despite the massive external
damage. It proves that a properly designed bolt-in cage can do a vital job,
with the added advantage of being able to take it out in sections for road use
as required,” said Heaphy. “Combine that with the cost saving, which can be up
to $10,000 over a proper weld-in cage, and the right bolt-in becomes a great
option…and it requires little alteration to the car’s interior.”
In the fierce Modern category, Clinton Arentz and co-driver
Pete Burrey finished 7th. The Winston Racind team’s 2009 Evo X
benefitted from several freedoms over the 4WD Showroom equivalent, producing
more power and weighing less thanks to the more relaxed rules. Still, they
faced an uphill battle against the might of the White’s Lamborghini, the
Richards/Oliver Porsche, Close/Close Audi TT RS and a selection of R35 Nissan
GT-Rs.
Kym Illman and Kathryn Lehmann finished 9th in
the Modern Category in their older Messages On Hold Mitsubishi Evolution IX,
while Barrie and Jan Smith failed to make the finish in their V-Sport Evolution
X.
After Targa Wrest Point, Millar sits third in the 4WD
Showroom Championship with the big dance, Targa Tasmania, remaining. Clint
Arentz also sits third in the Modern championship behind the GT-Rs of Quinn and
Rullo.
Targa Tasmania will be held from 16-21 April 2013, so check
back for updates as we prepare to fight for both titles!
