Quit Targa South West May 19-21
Posted on May 12, 2017 Tags: Quit Targa South West
Image: TIM ALLOTT
Vets and Rookies hit WA’s stunning SW
From LAUREN CORNES
THE EIGHTH EDITION of the Quit Targa South West tarmac rally descends on Pemberton and Manjimup May 19-21, bringing with it plenty of motorsport action and family-friendly entertainment.
The event draws participants from all levels of motorsport experience, and this year is no different with 35 teams, event veterans and rookies alike ready to embark on a weekend of spirited driving around the stunning region.
Brendan Templeman, (featured image) is one competitor who keeps coming back for more. He and co-driver Peter Howlett have now contested all eight Quit Targa South West events in a 2003 Mitsubishi Evo 8. “I was a newcomer to motorsport when I entered the first Quit Targa South West, from then on I just couldn’t kick the addiction of Targas!” Brendan said.
“The car has been with us from day one and I could not imagine competing in anything else. The Evo is well suited to the event, especially in the wet. Every South West Targa we have entered has had some wet stages that suit the Evo’s all-wheel drive capability. The most challenging aspect of the event is the varying conditions with the stages being either wet, dry or both.”
Tony and Robbie Packer switching roles and cars in the South West. Image: MANOLO PHOTOGRAPHY.
It’s the first QTSW experience for father and son team Tony and Robbie Packer. The duo has competed in Quit Targa West with Tony driving his immaculate 1955 Jaguar XK140 and 19-year old Robbie in the co-driver’s seat. They’ve now decided to reverse the roles for this event.
“Robbie and I did our first tarmac rally together in 2013 when he was 15 years old. This is the first time Robbie will be driving and I will be in the passenger seat,” said Tony. “This year we’ll be in a 1994 BMW M3 which looks a bit rough, but is quite sophisticated mechanically. We’re really looking forward to the long stages which should suit the BMW well.
“Being our first Targa South West we are naturally slightly intimidated by the amount of tall timber lining the roads. My only instruction to Robbie is to listen when I panic and start yelling ‘slow down’!”
Manjimup and Pemberton Ready to Party!
The Quit Targa South West fraternity brings an additional 400 people into the towns of Manjimup and Pemberton. Event Director Ross Tapper said the locals were known for their friendliness and warm welcome. “The communities of are a key ingredient in the success of this event,” Ross said. “They really get behind us and get in the ‘motorsport mood’ over the weekend. We feel privileged to be the recipients of such fantastic hospitality.”
The event starts with a shakedown at the Pemberton Sports Club on Friday, giving competitors an opportunity to perform any last minute tweaks on the car and get a feel for the road. The shakedown incorporates a charity ride event, offering the public an opportunity to experience the thrill of riding passenger in a rally car, in exchange for a donation.
For more information, including a list of spectator points, please click on
Media contact: Dianne Bortoletto, Pronto PR, 0439 997 075, dianne@prontopr.com.au
Leave a Reply