Via Mazda Corp AU
Mazda Motorsport is primed and at the ready for its upcoming Targa Tasmania campaign following a successful testing session at Eastern Creek this week.
The RX-8 SP and New Generation Mazda3 MPS works race cars hit the track on Wednesday in final preparation for the gruelling Targa Tasmania rally that kicks off on Tuesday April 27.
Mazda Motorsport boss Allan Horsley is pleased at the pace his turbocharged race cars showed during testing and is feeling confident heading into the Tasmanian rally.
“It’s always nerve wracking testing this close to an event,” said Horsley. “But I am pleased to report we’ve got all of the creases ironed out in both cars and the only thing left for us to do now is get to Tasmania and race.
“I am especially pleased with how the RX-8 SP has developed over the last 12 months,” continued Horsley. “Though hardly surprising considering we’ve had help from some of the best in the business. Reliance Rotary, Pac Performance, Yokohama and the technical staff from Mazda – they’ve all been integral to the success of these race cars.”
With Targa kicking off in just over two weeks, this was the last opportunity for Mazda works drivers Steve Glenney and Brendan Reeves to try out their race cars under competition conditions.
Following a promising shakedown in his Mazda RX-8 SP, expert pilot Glenney is feeling quietly confident about his Targa campaign and says a podium finish is not an impossible feat despite the tough competition.
“It was a really promising testing session,” said Glenney. “It’s clear that all of the hard work the team has put in has really paid off. The RX-8 has improved its pace and it’s feeling stronger than ever before.
“There’s no doubt that the main strength of the RX-8 is its handling capabilities. The key is to play to this strength and make the best of Targa’s twisty roads. My eye is on the Modern podium but the aim is to stay focussed and get the job done well. ”
With this year’s Targa Tasmania hosting the global motorsport debut of the New Generation Mazda3 MPS, 21-year-old driver Brendan Reeves is looking forward to his Targa challenge in the event’s Showroom Competition.
“This is an important event for Mazda, but Allan runs a tight ship and doesn’t enter these types of events just for the sake of it. Mazda always campaigns to get a good result which - judging by how fantastic the Mazda3 MPS felt during testing - is definitely on the cards for us.
“Even better we got a bit of rain in the morning so we were able to test both in the wet and in the dry. We’ve got the set-up right for both conditions, plus the new Yokohamas felt fantastic – a huge improvement over last year.
“We’re definitely ready for whatever Targa throws at us.”
Targa Tasmania is the world’s toughest tarmac rally. The 2000km long event is made up of around 40 special closed road stages and regularly attracts more than 300 entries.
Track Mazda's two-pronged Targa attack at www.mazdamotorsport.com.au
