Sale’s Robin Lowe is set to sweep through the stages during this year’s Targa Tasmania, which gets underway April 15.
Known as Australia’s ultimate tarmac rally, the event attracts the largest classic car field in the country.
The 48-year-old Lowe has been lured back for his seventh Targa, driving a 1971 Datsun 240Z.
“Without a doubt, Tasmania has some of the best rally roads in the country.
“It’s delightful to see the revival of classics. The spectators love them and it’s great for us, as the more entries the tougher the competition.”
The accountant claims he is not superstitious, but is hoping his seventh year in the event will be a lucky one.
“We aim for a finish in the top 10 per cent each year, but we haven’t quite made it yet,” Lowe said.
“They did say seven is a very lucky number, but with Targa, you make your own luck. It’s all about good preparation.”
The experienced team, which has competed in rallies for more than ten years, know the importance of staying focused during the 2000 kilometre adventure.
“It’s an endurance rally. You can’t win the event on the first day, but you can definitely lose it.”
This year’s 17th running of the five-day event has attracted the largest field in the event’s history, with more than 300 competitors from Australia, the USA, UK, UAE, Hong Kong and Japan vying for honours in the iconic event.
“The Targa format works really well. It starts off easy but it builds and builds into an exciting last day run for the finish."
Robin’s brother, Peter Lowe, will be navigating their Datsun, with his father also joining the pair as Chief of Services.
“My father will actually be turning 78 during Targa. He really knows the mechanics of classics.”
The 2008 Targa Tasmania itinerary has gone under the knife, with transport sections of the event being trimmed by 10 per cent and centralising the course to make it easier for competitors and more enjoyable for locals.
“The new changes to the course have made it so much easier, especially for interstate competitors. The logistics and constantly moving up and down the state wasn’t easy, but now it is much better. We are delighted with the changes,” Lowe said.
The Lowe team will arrive in Tasmania the Sunday before the April 15 start in Launceston. The rally will take competitors along some of the best roads n the country, through the heart of the Apple Isle to the ceremonial finish at Hobart’s Wrest Point on April 20.
