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Targa Tasmania: Matt Close secures first win

Matt Close has won Targa Tasmania for the first time, the Porsche driver finishing 6m40s clear of closest rival Michael Pritchard.

Matt Close, Cameron Reeves, Porsche 911 GT3

Matt Close, Cameron Reeves, Porsche 911 GT3

Angryman Photography

Close had been locked in battle with Jason White throughout the event, but White’s retirement with engine problems yesterday left him clear to cruise to victory.

And that’s exactly what he did, Close and co-driver Cameron Reeves finishing nearly seven minutes clear of Pritchard’s Dodge Viper.

“We had a bit of a fright on the Tinderbox Stage with a big moment and then three kays into Pelverata one of our rear tyres blew out,” Close said.

“We had a relatively good lead, but you never know.

“It was a very stressful hour – we got in before the sweep car and within our late time, but you just don’t need that.

“It’s taken me 12 Targas to win – I hope it doesn’t take another 12 for my next one.

“We’ve already started planning for next year and we’ll make a few changes to the car and we’ll get better.”

Leigh Achterberg took out the Classic Handicap, finishing with a minute in hand over Peter Ullrich, while Steve Glenney wrapped up the Four-Wheel-Drive class.

Final Results

Wrest Point GT
1. Matt Close/Cameron Reeves, 2015 Porsche GT3,
2. Michael Pritchard/Gary Mourant, 2016 Dodge Viper ACR, +6m41s
3. Jim Richards/Barry Oliver, 2015 Porsche GT4, +11m18s

Shannons Classic
1. Leigh Achterberg/Greg Fitzgerald, 1982 Porsche 944
2. Peter Ullrich/Sari Ullrich, 1963 Jensen CV8, +1m06s
3. Paul Freestone/Christine Freestone, 1960 Aston Martin DB4, +2m20s

Country Club GT4
1. Steve Glenney/Tim Kulhanek, 2008 Subaru STi
2. Tony Quinn/Naomi Tillett, 2014 Lamborghini Huracan, +3m16s
3. Angus Kennard/Ian Wheeler, 2015 Nissan GT-R35, +4m13s

Shannons Classic GT
1. Jon Siddins/Gina Siddins, 1970 Datsun 240Z,
2. Barry Faux/Therezia Mihajlovic, 1985 Mazda RX-7, +5:25
3. Cameron Wearing/Tania Wearing, 1981 Triumph TR7 V8, +7m24s

Spirit of Tasmania and Duttons Garage Early Modern
1. Andrew Bollom/Lee Challoner-Miles, 1995 Mazda RX-7
2. Mark Balcombe/Brian Foster, 1995 Mazda RX-7 SP, +1m15s
3. Stephen Thatcher/Kelly Handley, Nissan ATTKD Select R SP, +4m40s

RDA Brakes Modern
1. Brendan Winterbourn/Anthony Chudleigh, 2011 Mitsubishi Evolution X,
2. Gregory Burrowes/Rhonda Burrowes, 2009 Mitsubishi Evolution X, +5m15s
3. Peter Mayer/Nicole O’Neill, 2007 Porsche 911 GT3, +9m18s

Shannons Vintage
1. Wayne Clark/Trevor Berriman, 1938 Dodge Speedster Special
2. Graham Copeland/Josh Herbert, 1936 Desoto Special, +1h32m02s

Budget GT Sports Trophy
1. Jeff Beable/Nerida Beable, 2000 Nissan Skyline GT-R N1
2. Jordan Bridge/Debbie Bridge, 2004 Subaru WRX STi, +6m22s
3. Martin Duursma/Richard Wodhams, 2013 Lotus Exige S V6, + 7m39s
1st Classic: Simon Froude/Jason Powning, 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR +33:14

Budget TSD Trophy
1. Darryl Marshall/Andrew Marshall, 2002 Ford Falcon Ute Pursuit 250, 102pts
2. Gerard Knapp/Roger Campbell, 2005 Alfa Romeo GT, 104pts
3. Brian Marshall/Justin Marshall, 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI, 117pts

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