Targa Tasmania - Mazda Motorsport Still Firmly in the Frame as Targa Weather Takes Hold

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – Apr 20, 2012: Mazda Motorsport enjoyed a trouble-free Leg Two at Targa Tasmania today with the RX-8 SP and Mazda3 MPS defying bad weather and treacherous road conditions to remain in contention for finish-line honours.

Today was always going to be a stern test for the Targa field with key stages including the 16km Sideling and 14km Weldborough Pass being run in the opposite direction for the first time but when rain started early this morning , the challenge took on an extra dimension.

As expected, the main contenders for outright victory faced the conditions head-on and in the day’s first stage at Rossarden, Brendan Reeves steered his RX-8 SP across the line just one second behind the Lamborghini of Jason White.

Stage win spoils were shared amongst Jason White and Matt Close but another succession of strong drives from Reeves sees his RX-8 SP finish the day in fourth and still within striking distance of the outright lead.

Matt Rickards enjoyed a better day today and tonight his RX-8 SP has moved up the outright standings by a couple of spots. Rickards will be hoping to continue his upward trajectory as the race heads into 150km of competitive racing tomorrow starting in Launceston and finishing in Strahan.

Simon Evans again showed the form that has made him a four-time Australian rally champion as his Mazda3 MPS was the quickest showroom car on nearly all of today’s stages and extended its lead at the top of the showroom standings.

The gap between Evans and his closest showroom rival is now over a minute and Evans, backed by co-driver wife Sue, will look to consolidate their lead tomorrow.

MOTOR magazine editor Andrew Maclean confidently steered his Mazda2, nicknamed ‘Little Viper’, over today’s tough course and seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself as he remains on target for the Hobart finish.

As Targa Tasmania now heads into three days of longer and even more challenging stages Mazda Motorsport boss Allan Horsley is happy with how things have played out so far.

“The final three days at Targa traditionally suit us better than the first two, particularly in the case of the RX-8 SP, and this year will be no different. Brendan and his RX-8 SP are perfectly poised to put some pressure on those in front and Simon will be aiming to keep the MPS ahead of his showroom rivals,” said Horsley.

“And although Matt is still some way down the standings due to yesterday’s crash the next few days provide the perfect opportunity for him to use the RX-8 SP’s speed and reliability to edge a lot closer to the front.”

Horsley added, “The boys have done a great job at keeping their tyres in great condition and this will come into play over the next couple of days as we keep our eyes firmly fixed on the podium in Hobart.”