All eyes turned to George Town at the top of the Tamar River for the start of the 2013 Targa Tasmania, and once again the star of the show was local hope, Jason White, driving his all-conquering Lamborghini Gallardo.

White set the fastest time on both the opening two stages and won the official Temco Prologue, used for seeding the cars when the race proper gets underway from Launceston on Wednesday.

White, who is looking to defend his 2012 Targa Tasmania title as well as secure a second straight CAMS Australian Targa Championship, looks like again setting the pace across the 600 competitive kilometres and 40 stages that will follow over the next five days.

He finished the 4.5 kilometre prologue 6.15 seconds quicker than Matt Sims in his 2013 Nissan GT-R, with former Tasmanian Matt Close third, a further 2.29 seconds further back.

Perennial crowd favourite, eight time Targa Tasmania winner, Jim Richards, was fourth quickest in his 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

The man considered White’s greatest threat, Hobart-based Steve Glenney, had troubles in his 2008 Nissan GT-R, finishing the prologue 21 seconds behind White.

His support crew will be working hard overnight to have the car up to speed for the full opening day that takes the crews up towards Devonport and back to Launceston.

2009 and 2011 Targa Tasmania winner, Queenslander Tony Quinn, also had issues with his GT-R, struggled to get maximum power after experiencing mechanical issues.

“It’s a good start and it’s the start we always look for,” White said.

“We’re happy with it and it’s great to get here again, blow the cobwebs out and try and become at one with the car again.

“It’s a fair time between drinks from event to event, so it’s nice to get back in, and the car feels great.

“We could have won the prologue by more than we did, but I stalled the car on the start line and it probably cost us a couple of seconds.”

The man who has won the last six Classic Outright titles, Rex Broadbent, made an unexpectedly quick start in his 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS, setting the fastest time on both the opening Kayena and George Town Temco Prologue stages.

Normally Broadbent works his way into the event over the opening few days, saving his push to the lead for the final days on the way to Hobart. But he looks set to come out of the blocks quickly in his quest for a seventh straight Classic Outright title.

Second in George Town among the classics, for cars pre-1986, was Jon Siddins in a 1970 Datsun 240Z, who led the charge for classics across most of 2012 before being eventually reeled in by Broadbent.

He was 2.30 seconds slower than the reigning champ, with David Gainer third, 10.8 seconds off the pace in his 1971 Datsun 240Z, and Queenslander Donn Todd fourth, another 0.92 seconds back in his 1971 Ford Capri Perana.

“This year I think we’re really up against it as the weather forecast looks dry for the whole event and my Porsche just hasn’t got the power to keep with the V8s unless the weather turns wet,” Broadbent said.

The full opening day takes the 200-car field across to Railton in the state’s north for the lunch stop, before the real challenge begins on the Mt Roland and Sheffield stages on the afternoon run back into Launceston.

Temco Prologue results

Modern


1. Jason White/John White, 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale, 3mins, 07.08 secs
2. Matt Sims/Denis Sims, 2013 Nissan GT-R, +6.15s
3. Matt Close/Casey Close, 2010 Audi TT RS, +8.44s
4. Jim Richards/Barry Oliver, 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS +11.30s
5. Ben Searcy/James Maarquet, 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX, +12.12s

Classic Outright

1. Rex Broadbent/Paul Batten, 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS, 3mins, 18.83 secs
2. Jon Siddins/Darren Ferguson, 1970 Datsun 240Z, +2.39s
3. David Gainer/Peter St George, 1971 Datsun 240Z, +9.42s
4. Donn Todd/ Dean Tighe. 1971 Ford Perana Capri, +10.80s
5. Matt Cardinaels, 1972 Datsun 240Z, +11.72s

SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY

RallySport Magazine Subscription
Select Subscription Level
Select Subscription Length
Recurring Subscription Cost
A subscription to RallySport Magazine give you access to all our rally content from Australia, New Zealand and around the world – with news, features and experiences nobody can match. Our team are dedicated to providing an unrivalled experience which shares, supports and promotes the sport of rallying.
Already have an account?

By clicking "Subscribe Now" you agree to receive news, offers and updates on RallySport Magazine. If you do not wish to receive marketing communications, you can update your preferences in My Account.

We will commence charging your payment method after the 7 day free trial expires. If you cancel after expiry of your trial, cancellation will take effect from the end of your current monthly subscription period. You will not be refunded any fees paid to RallySport Magazine unless otherwise set out in the terms and conditions.

Account Details
Payment Information

By clicking "Subscribe Now" you agree to receive news, offers and updates on RallySport Magazine. If you do not wish to receive marketing communications, you can update your preferences in My Account.

We will commence charging your payment method after the 7 day free trial expires. If you cancel after expiry of your trial, cancellation will take effect from the end of your current monthly subscription period. You will not be refunded any fees paid to RallySport Magazine unless otherwise set out in the terms and conditions.

Show Your Support

Author

Title

Go to Top