DUNLOP TARGA 2010 REPORT

Peter Jones Driver

This was the first ever rally for myself and my co driver Neil Andrews from Waihi in the Corremandel. Without a doubt it is one of the most awesome events I have ever been in. It is well organised and professionally run. Neil did an outstanding job as a co driver. My Escort was built and immaculately prepared by Garry Grant and the team at ALLTRAX. The car drawing a lot of interest from day one. It was the only MK1 Escort entered in this years Targa. The car handled exceptionally well and is a credit to Garry.
During the 6 day event I met a lot of new people and made many new friends. Prologue at Hampton Downs race track was a disappointment when the spark plug lead came off right on the start line as we launched. Once the lead was secured the car ran very well on the second SS around Hampton downs. Being an endurance rally I took it easy on the day one especially the first stage that was very foggy. From there I gained some confidence and started to work my way up the field some what. A big thanks to Garry and his father Keith whom tirelessly serviced for us throughout the rally keeping the car going. It was a pleasure to be able to make it from the start in Manakau city to the finish in Wellington in one piece. Although we had our challenges along the way, being the only car in the whole rally to suffer a broken windscreen and not just once. It happened 2 days in a row! Disappointment came on the last day when the clutch cable broke on the Upper Hutt SS28 and the car had to be driven out of the stage in 3rd gear. We drove to an unscheduled service where Garry and Keith installed another clutch cable very quickly and got us up and running again.
No class prizes to be had, but I was pleased to be awarded a medal for being a Targa finisher.
Special Thanks to:
Guy from Victory Automotive who spent many hours ensuring the engine was assembled correctly and would run reliably.
Also thanks to Brenda Grant for cooking us a fruit cake, which I so enjoyed each time we pulled in for a service:-)

Shucks thanks Pete......