Â
For the past three years Targa competitors have been using the locally developed, GPS-based Trackit system and Martin says there is absolutely no reason to change.
Â
"The Trackit tracking system was specifically developed with events like ours, and in particular our unique local road and topographic conditions in mind, and we are very happy with the job it is doing.
Â
"We have made that clear both to the Rally Commission and the MotorSport New Zealand executive and I want to reiterate to all Targa competitors that they will not be required to buy any additional equipment.
Â
"Norm Oakley, the chairman of the Rally Commission, is fully aware of our position and has made it clear that the current tracking system employed by Targa does not need to be changed."
Â
The issue was raised when MotorSport New Zealand sent rally licence holders a survey advising them that they were looking at introducing a new GPS-based tracking and timing system.
Â
As well as moving to re-assure Targa competitors that they would not be expected to buy a second system Mr Martin has questioned why rally officials are looking overseas for a new system when the locally developed Trackit one could do the job - at considerably less cost."
Â
"It's ironic that when we were developing the Trackit system for our events the authorities didn't want a bar of it, yet now it's up and running and doing the job it was designed to do they have decided they need one of their own, despite the fact that it is going to be considerably more expensive and that they are talking about levying all competitors with a rally licence to pay for it.
Â
"It's just not cricket!"
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
