Targa High Country 2018 - Day 3

The last day of Targa High Country was a big day. It was certainly going to take a few cars out of the competition with mechanical failure and, unfortunately, a few were also taken out of the competition due to crashes.

We had a one second lead on fourth which we lost after the first stage Mirimbah, so we were now sitting equal third with Morton and Benson in the Lotus. We then had a 49km stage through the Eildon/Jamieson road and a 39km return run over the same road. The road is tight and twisty with one fast section through the middle before tightening up again. At times a navigator feels like they can just hit playback with the pace notes calls as the same combinations of lefts and rights seem to be repeated through the stage.

The weather was warming up and running at the end of the field following 200 cars can affect the road surface and the grip level. Big heavy V8 cars like the Mustang perform best in colder conditions and heat can be the enemy. There was an issue with the car turning on the traction control prior to the 49km stage without our knowledge which greatly affects the car's drivability, with the car constantly trying to “save” itself by applying the brakes. This in turn causes more heat which creates issues in itself with grip and braking.

Craig tried his best to drive around the problem, adjusting his driving and trying different things to limit the traction control activating. We lost 15 seconds through the first pass due to the computer issue with the car, dropping us to fourth, and in the return lost another one second. The final run up Mt Buller is a fantastic way to end the event and, as well as it was driven and as fast as it felt the time, was slower than the day one run. Talking to teams and looking at results it was the same for many. Different day, heat and road surface can make a big difference to times.

After a great event where the car performed brilliantly we finished in fourth behind three fantastic teams who deserved their podium places. We are very pleased with our efforts for the event and have come together well as a team.

Thanks again to our sponsors...

• Crossover Car Conversions
• Rohde Smash Repairs
• Ferntree Gully Bolts
• Road Warrior Plus
• Red Bolt Visual Communication
• Shockworks
• Castrol Edge
• Shelby American

That sees out the tarmac rally season for 2018. Merry Christmas from us, we hope Santa puts a Mustang under the Christmas tree for you this year,
Craig and Mary.