The bright blue Team Legacy Assist Datsun 240Z will be driven in this year's Targa with Afghanistan war hero Private Damien Thomlinson of the 2nd Commando regiment acting as team co-ordinator and PR representative, tasked with ensuring the team performs at the highest level as well as raising as much money as possible for Legacy and the Commando Welfare Trust.
Private Thomlinson lost both of his legs in a roadside bomb blast while on a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2009 but has shown tremendous resilience and resolve getting involved in a range of sports and activities including snow skiing, swimming and being a part of Team Legacy Assist for Targa.
All funds raised will be split equally between Legacy and the Commando Welfare Trust.
Legacy is a voluntary organisation providing services to Australian families suffering financially or socially after the death of a spouse or parent during or after their defence for service. Legacy currently cares for over 100,000 widows and 1,900 children and dependants throughout Australia.
The purpose of the Commando Welfare Trust is to provide discretionary funds through a board of Trustees to support the families of serving and ex-serving members of Special Operations Command east coast units, who have been killed or injured in the course of their duty.
"Both Legacy and the Commando Welfare Trust do a fantastic job in supporting and assisting the families of soldiers who have fallen or soldiers who have returned with major injuries such as those I incurred in Afghanistan," said Private Thomlinson.
The Datsun will be co-driven for the event by Pearce Gibbons, while the driver's identity can not be revealed due to security reasons.
The 240Z they will compete in has been totally rebuilt and prepared for Targa by soldiers from the Australian Defence Forces, who used their own time and resources to complete the project.
According to Kumho Tyres marketing and training manager, David Basha, the company was proud to throw its support behind Team Legacy Assist in its efforts to raise money and awareness at Targa.
"Our soldiers have always done a fantastic job and with someone as inspirational as Private Thomlinson involved in the team I am sure they are going to surprise plenty of people with the performance on Targa," said David Basha.
Team Legacy Assist Datsun will compete in the hotly contested Late Classic class in this year's Targa Tasmania.
The 20th anniversary running of Targa Tasmania starts on Tuesday, April 5.
After a 5.1 kilometre prologue stage around the streets of George Town to decide the event running order, competitors tackle 38 Targa stages over five days, ending at Wrest Point on April 10.
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