2006 SCI TEAM TARGA, first ever quadriplegic driver & navigator to ralley in Targa

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Yes it’s true

SCI Team Targa is alive

Alan has been working very hard and with assists from AQA has put together a fantastic package.

Alan (AQA MEMBER) plains to drive the 2006 Targa Tasmania with Naz our info peer/support department manager and they will alternatively drive and navigate the rally tour together.

So these two guys’ will be the first two Quadriplegic’s to drive & navigate the Targa Rally Tour.

All is looking good for "SCI Team Targa" they have a very professional vehicle. A nice lumpy hot sounding V8 Lexus Soarer 2 door Coup. With the works !

Come on Alan time to tell us all the details on the forum

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created by Jane


Sounds unreal. There was a team from Yamba drive in the Tassie Targa a couple of times. They were in the Variety Club.
I don't suppose there is any jobs for support crew. I'd love to do something like that.
Jane.

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created by stevo

Jane we would love to have you and many others too, but the hardest part is to get accomodation for more crew as there are 250 cars, with 2 drivers and about the same in service crews, and thats the minimum. You really do have to be in early to get somewhere to stay at that time of year. We will see what pans out with this years event and do a event post mortem to see if we achieved our goals and maybe there's next year? Wish us luck. http://www.aqavic.org.au/forum/icon_smile_big.gif Alan

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created by Stevo

Okey Dokey, The plan is: I had this strange idea, what can I do to help with my trade experience and general knowledge for SCI sufferers. Knowledge of racing cars and restoring motorcycles won't do much I thought. After spending last year as a teachers aid to construct an Elfin Clubman sports car,I had this vision that if we entered the Targa Tasmanian Tour we could prove to some of the disbelievers that SCI sufferers can do a lot of the things that they can do, and just as well. As I have said to many doctors "our injury is from the neck down, NOT the neck up" as many people seem to think. Like the people say to my carer can he understand me, she replies "just ask him". I spoke to Peter VB from AQA and we talked about my idea. So with a great deal of help from Pete we ask Naz about our plan. So there you have it we, the SCI community now have their own entry to Targa just like every one else, SCI TEAM TARGA. We have some good sponsors to date to help with the cost of the event and hopefully we can promote their business through our entry. Naz and I will be driving a pristine Toyota LEXUS Soarer SC400 LTD, equipped with a full alloy block quad cam UZZ31 V8 engine for you petrol heads. Any ideas that you have that may help the SCI entry are most welcome.
Regards Alan Stevenson C6 http://www.aqavic.org.au/forum/icon_smile_cool.gif

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created by stevo

Hi all, just an update. Hobart have a drive for disabled kids after the Targa event, and I suggested that Launceston have the same. So after much organising and planning we now have a disabled drive for kids that would not get the chance to see the cars in all their glory. We will pick up the kids at the Casino and give them a 4km round trip in a Targa car. This will bring Targa to those children and their families that would normally not get the chance because of their disability. So far we have 7 cars willing to participate, and a big thank you to those busy people for their generosity.
Stay tuned for more updates, if you have a question please ask.
Cheers Alan

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created by stevo

Last night 10 guys gave us there expertice to help prepare the car. They supplied the hands and knowledge and I supplied the BBQ, sausages and the Beam. The drivers door hinge was reconditioned and modified for easier access for a wheelchair, electrical connections for recharging mobiles and two way radios were fitted and the passengers seat was removed to allow fitment of the first fire extinguisher before being replaced. The spare wheel was inspected for safety and a troublesome fluid level sensor was repaired and refitted. That leaves 1 more fire extinguisher and an exhaust modification left to do. Next is some body modifications and a new set of tyres and the vehicle is ready, just the final safety checks prior to racing left to do.
Alan, "SCI Team Targa 2006" http://www.aqavic.org.au/forum/icon_smile_cool.gif

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created by ShaneB

Well done mate. Sounds like it is comming together. As I have told you before, I am jealous. I'd love to throw my WRX around. It is a brilliant cause and I hope you get television coverage also. That would really get the desired affect.

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created by stevo

Hi Shane, the telly is onto it and we have a reporter to come with us on 1 of the stages to write a documentary of what she saw and how it was from a disabled person's driving perspective. We also have a surgeon coming in another stage. I told Naz that I had spoken to Delta Goodrem, and she was going with him on 1 stage, CAN'T repeat what he said, but he WAS happy. http://www.aqavic.org.au/forum/icon_smile_big.gif He is going to be pee'd off when I tell him I was just pulling his leg. Come to think of it he won't feel that either Ha Ha. http://www.aqavic.org.au/forum/icon_smile_cool.gif

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created by Jane


I'm so jealous too, I want to go! Sounds unreal and I look forward to seeing TV coverage. Did you say a documentary, you'll have to keep us posted about when it could come on. Also, is there any chance of getting a photo of the car and crew on this forum?

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Hello Jane,

In the next edition of "News Link" AQA members news letter their will be a full story and a picture of the targa rally vehicle.

Let me now if you would like to member-up to AQA its only $5 a year and you get 6 "news Links" a year.

admin@aqavic.org.au

seeya

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created by stevo


Hi all, the car is comeing along but not without the problems that everybody that thinks they have covered all avenues has just before the main day. We now have a brand new set of tyres courtesy of St Leonards Tyre Service, and a report that both rear TEMS suspension struts are weeping. Bugga! This problem has been sorted by Neil Griffiths from RUSH IMPORTS in ACT, a very nice jesture too, seeing as they are around $1000.00 ea. The car has had the side & rear skirts adapted and will be fitted & painted next week. We now have a very nice sounding quad cam V8 with the exhaust and fire extinguishers fitted by Advance Automotive & LPG, today. Sign Pro have the car tomorrow for the start of the Targa decals followed by sponsors stickers. We have a media photo shoot next Monday, followed shortly after by the arrival of our co-driver extrordinare Naz Erdem to our now much colder Tassy state, hopefully he may bring some warm Vic weather with him. I will try to keep you updated as things progress. cheers Stevo

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created by stevo

Hi again, well the stickers are on and the Spinal Cord Injury sticker is full length of the vehicle in dayglo orange with a dark shadeing, it looks hot, and can be seen from a good distance. There is a spine that starts at the tailbone and as it gets to the Cervical area morphs into a person. The exhaust sounds great now, if you are paying for a V8 you want it to sound like one too, now id does. So there you have it we can now be seen & heard. This week is going to be very hectic, but I will try and get some pics to PeterVB, or get a link so you can view it at www.v8soarer.com. (http://www.v8soarer.com./) Only the old pic is there now, but will be updated.
cheers Stevo

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created by stevo

Hi every one, well today we had a media appointment with 2 TV stations the local paper and radio. There are some pics floating around AQA now but I would need some one to put them up on the forum. I am still recieving help and the offer of goods for our disabled kids drive, to put into our "show bag" to be distributed to the kids that participate. If this week is any indication of how Naz and I will see Targa, it will be monumental, and we will definetly get our message through, today was brilliant and before we even start we are known through out the state. If anyone wants pics you can email me and I will send them on. More updates as they eventuate. cheers STEVO

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created by stevo


Hi all, just a quick note, Naz has arrived in Tas, and we have been busy preparing the appropriate paper work for the Tour. We have also been busy organising a disabled drive for kids from the Casino. The car is now officially ready, just a small hick up today with the car cleaner, as he moved the passengers seat foward it activated the navigators fire extinguisher,,,,whoops, mess cleaned and car polished we are now ready,,,, we hope. Naz & Alan

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created by stevo

Hi guys,
Naz and Alan here reporting from Tassie. Just wanted to give you all another update about the Targa Tour.
Today was the day of the "Disabled Kids Drive" that we initiated as part of the overall Targa event. We're happy to report that the day was a huge success. Not only was the weather great (lots of sunshine), we had heaps of volunteers wanting to be involved.
The Launceston Casino allowed us to use their main entrance for our event which was ideal.
Volunteers included the casino staff, competitors (and their cars), the local police, etc.
We had 8 cars for the drive, including our Lexus Soarer.
Over 30 kids registered for the drive and what a great time they had. They not only went for a drive in a Targa competition car, they received a couple of showbags which were provided by our sponsors. Seeing these kids faces before, during and after the drive was priceless. They had smiles from ear to ear and we could see that we helped "make their day".
It was also great to see that the media was behind the event. Two television networks reported the story on their 6 o'clock news.
Our next appointment is scrutinearing on Sunday morning, followed by the vehicle being locked down at the Expo for "public viewing" until "Prolog" Tuesday morning.
WE will update you further as things come to hand.

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created by stevo

Hi guys,
Here's another update for you all.
We had to wake up early today to get the car scrutineered at Simmons Plains.
After that we made our way to the Silverdome where the Expo will be held. All of the cars will be displayed to the public here until “Race day”. There will be about 250 cars all up.
I honestly believe that we are the most professional team out at the Expo (as can be seen from the photos). We have a purpose built display which will attract many people to our car.
We were there for about 5 minutes when the doors were open to the public and were asked for an interview there and then which we happily obliged. Soon after, one of the commentators asked if we’d be available for regular updates during the tour which we agreed to.
Everyone’s response to what we are doing is brilliant.
We are turning out to be with the “in crowd”. We were invited to the home of QC Mr Bill Griffiths (arguably one of the best QC’s in the state) for wine, c0cktails and a chat about what we hoped to achieve. We found that they were genuinely interested in the hand controls, etc and how we drove.

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created by Jane

The car looks great, I love the spine! Good luck guys, and drive carefully, keep safe.
I look forward to the updates. We don't seem to get the media coverage up here in northern NSW, but its good to see it on the internet.
Seeya and cheers
I bet you'll be hangin for a beer after the race!
Jane.

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created by stevo

Hi all, yes Jane a beer would be good, but ATM we are both breath tested regularly through the day and must be 00. Today went well a quick blat around Georgetown in the Prolog, which saw a few competitors out due to damage, luckily not us. Locked in second gear gave us the advantage of power on, then a better rate of breaking into the chicanes and tight corners. We both had a taste of wrong directions today trying to decipher the pace notes for the course. Tomorrow we have a drive starting in the city centre, then on to Devonport through a few stages, for lunch, then the return through Longford back to the Silverdome. OK bed time now for 2 weary drivers, more info soon, Alan & Naz

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created by Dutch

Hello Alan & Naz

The car looks great fella's

Fantastic to see that your in the rally and getting noticed really good work !

I'll be keeping a look out on the forum and through the media on how your going.

Good luck and have fun

seeya

Dutch

"come on people add your cheer and support to these guys"

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created by Mark

Yes well done you get my cheer

cheeers

Mark

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created by ShaneB


Stevo,
I have chatted to Naz about the event and that smile is still etched onto is face. Congrats on the whole events success. A lot of effort went in and from what I can gather, you reaped the rewards for us. Well done on getting the word out there dude.

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Created by Stevo

Thanks Shane, it certainly wasn't a sunday drive, possibly one of the most strenuous activities I have undertaken since my accident.
The 6 oclock starts were bad enough, but the 4 oclock sunday start was obscene, I was driving with this dark haired guy that didn't respond till sun light was spotted, and I wasn't much better. We spoke to so many people about our entry to put numbers on that would be very hard. There wasn't a stop we made without some body either wanting our autograph, or just wanting to see the car check out the controls and how we drove it. As you Naz and I take our driving as a daily task now, a lot of people were in awe of the mission we had undertaken. I am sure that some thought that we were taking on Jim Richards directly in the racing section, and thought , a gutsy move to even think of taking on Jim. I went to a BBQ for the Targa volunteers yesterday and was ask to take the car up, and spoke of our appreciation to those who braved the cold while Naz and I sat in a climate controlled 25 degree car, I said to Naz why are they shivering, he couldn't work it out either??? You will have to come over again for a holiday Shane, any thing you or other forum readers want to know about our little adventure please ask. cheers Alan

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created by Mark

Hello Stevo,

I don't really now what to ask for I could never imagine Quad's like myself doing amazing things like drive "Targa Touring Rally".

But you & Naz Have done it and proved to me to get into your dreams, just like "Nike" (just do it).

It is so cool what you have done and I love reading about it on the forum and in AQA's News Link magazine.

Please add more to the forum about the Targa, do a day by day diary about what us guys went through from getting up and do these things.

I just love reading about it.

Very very inspiring,

Luv your work stevo http://www.aqavic.org.au/forum/icon_smile_big.gif

cheeers

Mark

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created by stevo

Hi Mark, thanks for your reply, Naz and I thought for a while no one was reading it. Mate we really don't think that we did anything extrodinary, just 2 quads that love cars doing their thing.
We have been ask by our sponsors to do it again in 2007 and they want it bigger and better. The disabled kids day was great, and we got a lot of coverage from it, and when people see the car they know who it is and what we entered for. There was talk of an in car camera for next year, but the editor had better be good on the BEEP BEEP button or you will see the X rated version. There were some really funny times and some stressfull times too, some times when you heard OH S#!T and a few WOO HOO's depending on the corner and whether either of us called it right. There were a few times that hanging on was more important than reading the pace notes, and the call was just "there's a corner comming up" and the reply "no kidding" followed by a sigh of relief after the turn. One funny moment was dropping the notes on the floor and not being able to bend far enough to retrieve them. On finding this I called "brakes Naz" and that was enough to send me further towards the floor for retreaval, followed by Naz nearly wetting himself laughing, bet Jim & Barry can't do that one. Symmons plains was good, Naz took the wheel there, you could see the red visor comming over his eyes as we started we were instantly a couple of V8 super car drivers for sure, that took a while for Naz to come back down to earth. The only down fall of the event was when I just pushed that bit too far on the very last corner of the event too much throttle on a 6-left and a quick 180 thank you wrecking a mag. But we made it and thats what counted. If you want some pics send me your email add and I will foward them on. Cheers Stevo http://www.aqavic.org.au/forum/icon_smile_cool.gif

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created by Jane

The race sounded so good, especially having a laugh. It sounds like it would have been a scream. An in car camera would be unreal, the facial expressions would be interesting. I'd love to see more photos if you could email them. I think there will be lots of hands up for helpers in 2007, me for sure!
Cheers for the team,
Jane.

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created by stevo

Ha Ha yes the facial expressions in some places Jane would have been priceless. Maybe 2007 we should enter a bus, then we can sell tickets and all can come, with in bus cameras we could call it Targa lampoons 2007 and make a fortune while we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We found during our drive that by changing the car back a gear that the driver could ease off the break earlier and this was real good with left hand corners. Right hand corners were a bit more difficult. Please make a mental picture of the following; Driver both hands occupied (one on the wheel, one on the throttle, just in case you had other thoughts)the call was for a 5 right which was a 90. So as the corner approaches the navigator has to drop the pace notes, drop the car back a gear, grab the left door with his left hand and push the driver upright with his right hand so he didn't fall over, then select drive again, collect the book from the floor,,act composed wave to the spectators as if nothing has happened smile and hope the next right is far enough away to set yourself up again. And your thinking about in car cameras. It would look like this; think of throwing 2 cats into a washing machine on the spin cycle,,, thats us. Cheers Alan

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created by Jane

Stevo, I'm here laughing out loud, while reading your last post, what a hoot! I can picture it, having had a similar incident.
Yeah, a bus next year, so we can all come, we'd have a blast!!
See ya,
Jane

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created by stevo

Hi all, I took our SCI Team Targa car up to Devonport yesterday to a school for kids with disabilities. The aim here was to raise awareness for their school and try and attract attention to them from the general public, and business houses in their area. As their school is only small it suffers from an identity crisis and needs to be seen. We had many photos taken of the kids taking turns sitting in the car and around it. (Make mental note to disconnect horn wire for next time) The local paper turned up and took pictures for an article, which was good for the school and good for us wheelies with our SCI advertising & AQA loud and bold on the side. After re-adjusting every conseivable knob,switch & dial in the car I attempted the drive back home. All up a great day out,and to see so many smiling kids faces made the trip worthwhile.

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created by stevo

Well people we are well on our way organising for TARGA 2007 and I have been chatting with Charles Wooley and Angry Anderson on the Charles Wooley radio show lately. We can now announce that Angry Anderson will come to Tassy for the disabled kids drive. With this happening we will surely put disabilities into the media spotlight and help raise awareness for people with disabilities. More info as it comes to hand, cheers Stevo http://www.aqavic.org.au/forum/icon_smile_cool.gif

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created by Dutch

That’s Fantastic Stevo

Your effort toward this course is truly unbelievable Stevo. You made the 2006 SCI Targa Team into something real in the space of 10-12 months that’s pretty amazing and it's turned out very very well.

I think you'll take over in 2007 !

If I can help you from my end here in Melbourne let me know !

cheers mate

PS Stevo start a new topic "SCI TEAM TARGA 2007"

Dutch