Targa Tasmania news 2005-02-28

EXPERIENCE THE UNIQUE CARS TARGA TASMANIA TOUR

TUESDAY, MARCH 1: With a new naming rights sponsor secured and an exciting new trophy incentive waiting on the other side of the chequered flag, participants in the Targa Tasmania Unique Cars Tour are ensured an exciting ride when the Tasmanian tarmac rally takes off this year from April 26 -- May 1.

First introduced in 2003, the event's tour category invites all generations of motoring enthusiasts to drive Tasmania's spectacular winding roads, at street legal-speeds, without the pressure of competition or the hassle of having to modify their special interest vehicle.

This year Australia's best-selling specialist automotive title, Unique Cars, will join Targa Tasmania as naming rights sponsor to the Tour. The magazine's Editor-In-Chief Mike Sinclair says it is more than a fitting union.

"Targa Tasmania is an event that captures the imagination of many Unique Cars readers. We're very pleased to formalize our involvement in the event and look forward to working with the Targa team to bring the event even closer to the magazine's readership."

General Manager Tasmania for Octagon, Rob McGuire, says that support of this calibre will assist in raising the profile of the tour category within the event proper.

"Targa Tasmania's association with Unique Cars will raise not only the profile of the event, but will market the Tour as an equally appealing category of the event to a national audience."

After entering the tour in 2004, Tasmania's own motor sport legend Scotty Taylor - whose motor sport resume includes 21 Bathursts - this year has entered into the competition proper in a 1977 Hatchback Torana, a shift he attributes to his experience in the Tour the previous year.

"Doing the Tour was a great way to see if I wanted to get involved in Targa Tasmania as a competitor," said Taylor. "It gives you the 'nitty gritty' of what happens in the event which provided me with the information which helped me to decide to compete this year."

Also, under a new incentive introduced in 2005, tour participants will be rewarded with a Touring Trophy if they are able to complete all stages of the Targa Tasmania Unique Cars Tour course.

"This trophy is a wonderful incentive for our Tour participants," said Mr McGuire. "It provides recognition to entrants in the event who may not drive at high-performance levels but who very much contribute to the spirit of the event."

Following a similar course to the event's competitive Historic and Touring Classic sections, Targa Tasmania Unique Cars Tour participants drive in convoy at the head of the field over a slightly altered course to the event's other categories.

Participants in the Tour get the opportunity to mix with other Targa Tasmania participants, showcase their cars each night at the event's vehicle expos and attend all social and additional Tour-specific functions.

Targa Tasmania is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania.

-octagon-