One of the joys of motorsport is that it’s a team sport, and that for events like Targa Tasmania, you don’t have to ‘qualify’ to be a starter, or have to achieve certain results to make it to the start line.
For South Australians Malcolm Klopp and Damien Pearce, Australia’s ultimate tarmac rally is not about the end result, nor about how fast you drive. For them, it’s all about getting to the finish and enjoying the event to the fullest.
The pair have been competing together for 12 years, but this is more than just a driver/co-driver relationship. You see, Damien is married to Mal’s daughter, making their entry into Targa a real family affair.
“This is our seventh Targa,” Mal says. “We share the driving and have great faith in each other. Damien is my son-in-law and is nowadays a part-time motoring journalist. The last couple of years we have been running a Lancer Evo 9, following on from a 1968 Mini Cooper S.
“Both cars are fun, but so far the Evo is decidedly more reliable. Each car takes a little to get to know, but we are coming to grips with the Evo and Damien will tell you that our best result was when he was driving in the Sun Coast Rally on the skid pan, and we came second to Jim Richards.”
Klopp says the biggest challenge of competing at Targa used to be logistics and getting through scrutineering, but the different attitude from the current organisers and a more reliable car has meant that they are now able to enjoy driving on the fabulous Tasmanian roads a lot more.
“The challenge is always to do better than before, but without losing the sight of the goal to have fun. That’s really where we’re at,” he says.
“We have a wonderful service crew. My wife and Damien's wife (my daughter) trundle around behind us, keeping us fed and rested and, when necessary, keeping our feet on the ground if we are doing well, and keeping things in perspective when things go wrong.”
He reiterates that their aim is simply to have fun in what many regard as the world’s best tarmac rally.
“We try to do the best we can and let the rest take care of itself. Most days we don’t bother to check results. If we are doing our best, that's it. We can't do any better.”
Crashes are a rarity for this experienced crew, with their only ‘off’ happening in another event, when they were leading their category and pushing a little too hard to stay ahead of their opposition.
“Each year we get faster as we become better drivers, and I am really looking forward to Targa again,” Klopp adds, “particularly with the new stages. “Without doubt, Targa is the best and this year looks great!”
That pretty much sums up Targa Tasmania to a tee, and with a record number of entries this year the 17th edition looks like being the best yet.
While the likes of Jim Richards, Steve Glenney and Jason White chase the ultimate prize of a Targa victory in the modern category, competitors such as Mal Klopp and Damien Pearce are happy to drive at their own pace and get to the finish. Without competitors like them, Targa would only be half the event it is.
The rally roars into action on April 15 in Launceston and will take competitors through the heart of Tasmania, before the Hobart finish line at Wrest Point on April 20.
