Mixed day for Mazda at Targa Tasmania

Day 2 was a day of mixed results for Mazda Motorsport on Day Two of Targa Tasmania, further underlining the unpredictable nature of this gruelling event.

All three factory Mazdas started the day looking to strengthen their Targa campaign and it was clear from the opening stage, The Sideling, that it was going to be a day of contrasting fortunes.

The twin RX-8 SPs of Steve Glenney and Jamie Vandenberg could hardly be separated early on but electrical problems soon saw Glenney drop down the field as Vandenberg built on yesterday’s solid start.

As the afternoon progressed, Vandenberg showed the form that has seen him previously finish third in this event and he now sits eleventh in Modern at the end of Day Two.

With three tough days of days racing still to go, Vandenberg is looking forward to pushing even harder. “We moved up the field again today but it’s the next three days that I’m really looking forward to. I’m happy with our progress so far but the next three days of Targa are always my favourites,” he said.

Previous Targa winner Glenney is now just over five minutes behind the leaders in Modern but the Mazda Motorsport team will be working hard tonight and Glenney will be looking to get his race back on track tomorrow.  Few would bet against him being back amongst the leaders by the time the race hits Hobart on Sunday.

Brendan Reeves underlined his current form with a blinding run through Rossarden that saw him challenge the overall contenders including Tony Quinn, Jason White and Jim Richards.

The Showroom category is still firmly in Reeves’ grasp but the young Victorian won’t take anything for granted yet. “We’ve seen a few examples today of the type of drama that Targa can throw up. It’s great to be out in front in Showroom but we’ll keep pushing all the way to the finish,” he said.

Targa Tasmania continues tomorrow with Day Three consisting of eight stages North West of Launceston.

Source: Mazda Motorsport