The journalists were brought to Adelaide by Events South Australia, providing them with a preview of four of the event stages and the chance to experience some of the highlights along the race route, including Mt Lofty Summit and the McLaren Vale wine region.
They left impressed, having driven the roads and seen the sights that make the event, which takes place from September 14 to 17, one of the highlights of the tarmac rally calendar.
A morning tea break at Mt Lofty Summit was followed by a lunch stop at Coriole Winery in McLaren Vale, where the media were joined by Supaloc Classic Targa Adelaide competitors Jeremy Browne (1966 Mini Cooper S) Michael Lamprell (1964 Ford Mustang), Richard Smith (1954 Jaguar XK120) and Kevin Weeks (1974 Porsche 911 RS) who told of their aspirations for this year’s event.
One of the guests, Peter Whitten, the editor of RallySport Magazine, wrote:
“Over 220 kilometres of some of the best tarmac rally roads in Australia will greet competitors in the inaugural Supaloc Classic Targa Adelaide next month.”
He also recognised the benefits the course brings to the region as many will turn out to watch the field of classic cars.
“Spectators will be well catered for as Australia’s best classic tarmac rally cars do battle over the four days of competition, but for many, the lure of the South Australia’s wineries will be a big factor in attracting them to the event.
“With 200 cellar doors within an hour of the City of Churches, many will be extending their trip to South Australia to enjoy the country’s most famous wine region. Coupled with world-class restaurants and cafes, there’ll be a lot more than rallying to keep them occupied.”
But for the one of the competitors, Michael Lamprell, who drives a magnificent 1964 Ford Mustang and who joined Whitten on the familiarisation, the focus will definitely be on the sport.
“We have rallied these roads in the past as part of Classic Adelaide, so we are really delighted to have an event back that allows us to pursue our passion of driving our wonderful cars on closed roads,” Lamprell said.
Event Director, Mark Perry, who works for the organiser of the rally, Octagon Australia, is convinced the event has a bright future.
“I believe that the event brings a lot to the state and to the communities it touches directly,” Perry said.
“Some of that is an economic benefit, and for many local communities it provides them a wonderful opportunity to work together on a world stage for a day, achieving things as a group they can’t always do in their everyday lives.
“Wherever possible we use community groups to provide food and refreshments to the drivers, co-drivers and support crew as they stop at lunch breaks during the actual competition.”
This year the field stops for lunch at Tanunda on Wednesday September 14, Gumeracha on Thursday September 15, Mount Compass on Friday September 16 and Macclesfield on the final day, Saturday September 17.
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