The Shire of Kalamunda is gearing up to host some of the nation’s best tarmac drivers and crews when QUIT Targa West hits the region this week.
Final preparations are underway for the fifth birthday celebrations of QUIT Targa West which will be held in the Shire of Kalamunda, the City of Perth and the shires of Chittering and Toodyay, from the 20 – 23rd of August.
When the first leg gets underway on Friday 21st August, it will mark the third year that Western Australia’s most prestigious tarmac rally has been held in the Shire of Kalamunda, and it is going to be a year to remember.
Shire President Donald McKechnie said, “We are extremely excited Targa has returned to Kalamunda for its 5th Anniversary. The QUIT Targa West rally is one of the many highlights of the Shire of Kalamunda annual calendar and the Shire remains dedicated to supporting the promotion of the region, via such a world class line up of events and happenings.”
One of the highlights of the Kalamunda stages is the renowned Summers Legal Zig Zag Special Stage, a drivers favourite, it is an opportunity to see some great action with spectacular views over Perth.
After seeing the cars race against the clock there is an opportunity to head into the Kalamunda Service Park in Haynes Street Kalamunda for lunch and a chance to ask some of the drivers how they are going.
As the cars head off it is time to head through one of the open stages to the Mundaring Weir Hotel to watch the conclusion of the newly extended Kalamunda Stage on Mundaring Weir Road.
Nine local crews are set to tackle the challenging event, run along some of the best roads Western Australia has to offer, and having the first leg of the rally running through their own ‘backyard’ makes it even more exciting.
Michael Civil (Wattle Grove) and his co-driver Frank Zanotti (Australind) are celebrating the fifth year of the event with their fifth appearance competing in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6 in the Modern Competition class.
Stephen Brown (Wattle Grove) and his son Jeffrey Brown (Wattle Grove) have not missed a year since QUIT Targa West came to be and will be competing in 2009 in a Ford Falcon GT in the Modern Challenge class.
Robert Darrington (Forrestfield) and David Abetz (Riverton) will also make it five out of five when they contest the Modern Challenge in an Audi S4.
John O’Dowd (Wattle Grove), joined by co-driver Greg Allen (Warwick), will be making his fourth appearance in the event and will be competing in a Holden Monaro GTO in the Modern Competition class.
Mik Healey (Kalamunda) will be tackling the stages for the third time and will be joined by co-driver Dennis Dunlop (Gooseberry Hill). They will be competing in a Ford Escort MK1 Classic Competition class.
A Holden Monaro CV8 is the vehicle of choice for Matt Waters (High Wycombe) and Gary Rundell (Morley) as they contest the event for the third time.
Lea Welch (Kalamunda) and Justin Smith (Kalamunda) are returning in 2009 after making their debut in 2008. This year they will be contesting the Classic Competition class in a Ford Escort Mk1.
Michael and Matthew Caratti (Glen Forrest) are contesting the event for the first time and are entered in the Modern Competition class in a Porsche 944 Turbo.
As well as the Shire of Kalamunda, QUIT Targa West 2009 is being held in the City of Perth and the shires of Chittering and Toodyay, from the 20 – 23rd of August.
Ninty-nine (99) crews will contest the event which has now firmly entrenched itself as one of the highlights on the national tarmac rally calendar.
Kalamunda highlights:
For interviews with any of the above competitors or for further media information please contact:
Alison Macqueen
QUIT Targa West Media Coordinator
alison@targawest.com.au
Mob: 0408 356 539
Targa West is a Tarmac Rally event running on sections of closed public roads. The 2009 event will be held over the four days of 20th to the 23rd August.
Targa West Pty Ltd is a privately held company owned by Bob Schrader and Ross Tapper. Combining over 40 years experience in various motorsport activities and advised by a Sporting Council comprising some of the most experienced event management and CAMS professionals in Australia. The Targa West team is focused on the creation of a safe and exciting Tarmac Rally event that has establish itself as a major annual fixture in the Tarmac Rally calendar.