Jim Richards has upset West Australian Ross Dunkerton’s hopes of securing a third QUIT Targa West title, taking out the Competition Modern class by over two minutes in the hills around Perth.
 
“We came over here to win, and it’s great to walk away with another title,” said Richards at the end of the rally. 
 
Richards, driving a 2007 Porsche GT3 RS, took control of the rally from the very first stage of competition on Friday, secured his first QUIT Targa West trophy ahead of ex-Bathurst winner Tony Longhurst (Skelta G-Force) and Dunkerton (Mitsubishi EVO IX).
 
Richards’ long time co-driver, Barry Oliver, joined him in voicing his satisfaction of the event.
 
“I would like to be able to package the Western Range Wines stage and take it back to Tassie with me tomorrow because that is probably the best stage we have done in 15 years,” praised Oliver.  “We always knew it was going to be a good event but it has certainly exceeded our expectations.”
 
While the third title eluded him, Dunkerton was happy with his performance over the weekend, and enjoyed the thrill of competing against some of the greatest tarmac racers in the country.
 
“It was a tough event his year, we were up against two of the best circuit races in Australia, Jim was streets ahead the whole rally, but it was a fabulous experience being out there racing against him,” said Dunkerton.
 
Unlike the previous two legs, today’s competition was run in full sunshine and perfect conditions for all competitors.  The 10 tarmac stages totalling 75 kilometres were run in the Toodyay and Chittering Shires, with competitors finishing by driving through the arch at the Burswood Entertainment Resort.
 
Local specialist Porsche dealer, Hans De Corti, continued the strong form he had shown throughout the first two legs and ran away with the Competition Classic class win in his Porsche 911 RS.  David Moir (Datsun 240Z) managed to hold off a late charge by Shane Attwell (Porsche 911 RS) taking second place.
 
Time penalties handed down to crews breaching the maximum speed restrictions put in place for challenge competitors during Leg Two caused a reshuffle of the top places over night. Robert Darrington (BMW M3) started the day with the Challenge Modern lead and held off the chasing group of Brad Kidd (Porsche 911 RS), John Donohoe (Holden HSV) and Peter Best (Lotus Elise) throughout the day to take the class win.
 
Luca Giorgella (Jaguar Mk1) and Anthony Clarke (Holden Torana GTR) continued their two day long tussle in the Challenge Classic class, with Clarke taking the final honours ahead of Josh Hogan (Ford Escort MK11) and Martin Eyer (Triumph TR8).
 

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