|
Skelta G-Force Continues To Dominate Targa Tasmania |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, 24 April 2007 |
A third successive day-long domination of Targa Tasmania has Ray Vandersee’s Skelta G-Force as the clear crowd favourite on the Apple Isle.
Backing up from nine stage wins during day two and three of the International tarmac event, Vandersee added to the kitty by securing another three outright victories, plus a second placing and equal third in an impressive display of consistency.
The opening four stages of today’s competition consisted of short
sprint runs which again highlighted the outright speed off the mark and
handling of the Skelta G-Force.
Vandersee maintained pace with the Targa Tasmania front-runners and
cleared Colebrook, Ross and Longford stages before clocking up outright
win number 10 for the event on Mole Creek Long prior to the lunch break.
Durability was the key at the afternoon resumption and with
understanding between Vandersee and co-driver Jahmeil Taylor in sync,
the three longest stages for the day brought their combined skills to
the fore.
The 37 kilometres of Cethana was yet another conquest as the Skelta duo
clocked in three seconds ahead of current overall leader Tony Sullens
in the Subaru WRX and Targa Tasmania legend Jim Richards in his Porsche.
“We secured an all-time Cethana stage record to add to a few other
stage records we’ve been able to establish this year so that’s
definitely a further wrap for the Skelta G-Force,” said Vandersee.
“The car was faultless and perhaps the biggest thing for us personally
is the fact out Cethana stage time was slashed by eight seconds on last
year,” said Vandersee.
“That stage is a very telling one and for us to be so strong and then
continue the pace throughout the remainder of the day was a great
achievement.
“There’s not much further to be said about the car that the
performances across the board over the past three days have already
declared.”
Backing up over the remaining four stages and covering a further
50-plus, timed kilometres there was no let up on the opposition as
Vandersee kept the foot down.
The final Fern Glade stage had most of the event front-runners
contending with wet conditions and Vandersee finished in equal third,
once again ahead of the drivers battling for outright Targa Tasmania
podium honours.
“It’s still a mix of emotions for the Skelta team. It’s been
tremendously satisfying to go as well as we are but at the same time
frustrating to think what might have been had we not had that earlier
problem on day one.
“The South Riana stage was won in semi wet conditions which indicates the Skelta is solid in the wet and dry.
“Tomorrow is expected to be wet so will give us further opportunities
to see how we compare with other vehicles in the event, particularly
the four wheel drives.
“If we can still be as competitive it means we’ve got all bases covered
with the car and have the overall package second to none.”
Vandersee has been particularly happy with the set of Kumho tyres he
has used during the 2007 campaign, declaring them as still in a very
health condition with respect to grip levels and overall wear.
Following today’s completion of the 35th of 42 stages Tony Sullens has
extended his lead in the Subaru over reigning champion Jim Richards
while Kevin Weeks’ Lamborghini is further back in third.
Targa Tasmania is considered one of the toughest races of its kind
where vehicles are this year required to cover more than 2000
kilometres, including 450 competition kilometres over 42 stages.
Skelta Sports Cars has a stock of comprehensive promotional DVDs that
outline the original concepts, engineering and overall performance
capabilities of this unique Australian made sports car.
The DVDs are available for immediate distribution to interested parties free of charge.
Potential purchasers and enthusiasts of Queensland’s Skelta G-Force,
that retails for around $134 000, are asked to book their DVD directly
through Vandersee via email at
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
A postal
address must be advised.
|
News