Racer returns from Tasmania, vows to target Targa again

Bunbury speed demon Mark Cates has returned from the infamous Targa Tasmania with mixed emotions after he crashed out of second place.

“We were running first for the first three days, second on the fourth day and then we had a differential failure on the Hellyer Gorge which is a scary road to have any sort of failure on,” he said.

“We slid off the road at low speed and did a bit of minor plastic damage but managed to get the car out and continue.”

The damaged differential destroyed any hopes of a podium position as he was unable to use full power in wet or slippery conditions and missed an entire stage while trying to repair the car.

“In the dry it was fantastic, but in the wet it was very dangerous,” Mr Cates said.

“Once you miss a stage, you’re out of it, but without a doubt our goal was to finish.

“We’ve learnt an enormous amount about Targa Tasmania – it is brutal.”

Now fitted with a new gearbox and differential, Mr Cates was certain he would be a front-runner in this weekend’s Targa South West and subsequent Targa Sprint, vowing to return to Tasmania next year.

“Just finishing won’t be acceptable,” he said.