Rally Tasmania: Les Walkden Rallying leg one summary

Reeves second after Day 1 of Rally Tasmania

Les Walkden Rallying's Brendan Reeves and Rhianon Smyth have started Rally Tasmania in brilliant form, finishing day one in second outright in the Modern competition, just 13.9 seconds behind tarmac rally ace, Jim Richards.

Reeves had his left hand drive Subaru Impreza WRX STI right on the pace from the start, finishing the day's first timed stage, the 4.75 kilometre ‘Tewkesbury', in third place.

The next stage, ‘Hellyer Gorge', is one of Reeves' favourites and he drove a clean stage to finish the 19.09 kilometre test in third place. Only Richards and 2008 Targa Tasmania winner, Steve Glenney, were faster in the stage.

The 21-year old Victorian was happy with his day's result and will go into Saturday's eight stages full of confidence.

"We had a good run today," Reeves said. "It was great to get back in the car again and we are really happy to put ourselves in a good overnight position.

"I am looking forward to getting back out there again tomorrow and pushing Jim hard for the lead."

Rally Tasmania is based out of Burnie in the state's north west. Day two will see competitors tackle another eight special stages totalling 160 kilometres on a run south west of Burnie.

After an 8am start in Burnie, the longest stage of the day is the famous 30 kilometre Savage River test, which is run in both directions. The first car is due back in Burnie at 4pm.

A further eight stages will be held on Sunday, before the winners step on to the podium later that afternoon after three days of tough, tarmac rallying.

-source: les walkden rallying