Targa Tasmania 2008 - going for GOLD

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created by Naz

Hi guys, as you know myself and Alan have entered the Targa Tasmanian as 'SCI Team Targa' for the past 2 years. We were the first ever 'disabled team' to ever attempt such a thing.

In 2006, we were successful as we completed the event without incident to achieve the title of first ever team with disablilities to attempt anything like it - You can read more of our achievments in the archives of AQA's forum. In 2007, we did it again to show others that it wasn't a fluke!

Well we are doing it again in 2008 and if we finish the Targa without incident, we will recieve the highly regarded GOLD trophy. The gold trophy is only given to those who successfully complete 3 Targas in a row without incident. Only a very small number of competitors will ever receive this.

Wish us well!!!

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You can see the Press Release at http://www.targa.com.au/Media/Releases/Stevenson.html (http://www.targa.com.au/Media/Releases/Stevenson.html)

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Sunday 13th April
Alan and myself headed to the Kid’s Kick Start Drive at Country Club. The drive is completely organised by Alan and Helen where Targa competition cars volunteer their cars and time to drive kids with a disability around a 4 km course at the Country Club. Many supporters also help with the day including staff from Octagon and the Country Club. The local police and fire brigade where also on hand to take the kids for a drive with their sirens and lights blazing. THE KIDS LOVED IT!!! The Launceston Police Trust presented AQA a cheque for $500 - that's the first time i enjoyed being around cops.

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Tuesday 15th April
Prolog at Georgetown. This is a street stage through the town where all the locals watch each car race around the course to set the best time. Cars are put into order for the following day depending on their times.

Alan’s Navigator for the course was Tourism Officer Karen from Launceston City Council. Karen loved the experience and will keep in contact with Al for access work in Launceston.

After Georgetown, the car was left at the Silverdome for the Expo where all the cars are displayed for those not involved (locals, volunteers, tourists, etc). The car looks fantastic and Alan done a great job preparing it. Many people loved the car as well as what it stood for. “Raising awareness regarding spinal cord injury”

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Wednesday 16th April
We both had to get up very very very early to be ready to go for Leg 1 of the Targa. We took off at 6.45 am, yes am...

The day went great with no car trouble at all.

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17th April
Today we had to wake up even earlier (4.30am for me) – I love this....

Today one of the cars (Lotus) from our group crashed and may not be able to be repaired. They ran into a rock face and smashed their front damaging the engine oil coolers very badly. There were also many other crashes, but thankfully not us!

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18th April
Up at 4.30 to leave Silverdome at 6.30
Alan started driving
Swaped at lunch
Launceston targa event (TargaFest) in town from 6 to 8
There was a huge crowd, a great success for the city
Wake up at 4.30 again to leave Silverdome at 6am
Have to pack for 3 days starting with Strahan tomorrow and Hobart the following two day.
Starting to feel it now - tired!