TARMAC: Targa Tasmania Cuppa for Cancer news

CUPPA FOR CANCER GOOD EXCUSE FOR A BREAK THIS TARGA

Competitors, Officials and friends of this year's 15th anniversary Targa Tasmania from April 25 - 30 will be encouraged to stop for a cuppa during their journey around the Island State during the 2006 event.

It's not just because they need a break, but also because this year event organiser Octagon has appointed The Cancer Council Tasmania as Targa Tasmania's Official Charity for the 2006 event, promoting Australia's Biggest Morning Tea.

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is one of The Cancer Council Tasmania's flagship events and it encourages people from all walks of life to 'take a break' for cancer research.

Held Thursday 25 May this year, Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is about getting people together to help defeat cancer. Launching Australia's Biggest Morning Tea in conjunction with an exciting International tarmac rally like Targa Tasmania is a welcome opportunity for The Cancer Council Tasmania.

"Targa Tasmania is a thrilling sporting event for the Tasmanian people and our involvement with the anniversary event not only provides us a great opportunity to launch the event with a bang a full month prior to May 25, but also gives us a very exciting platform to promote the event," The Cancer Council Tasmania CEO Lawson Ride explained.

"We're delighted to be involved and, importantly, many of the activities we are undertaking during the event will give a kick start to our fundraising activities as well as taking Australia's Biggest Morning Tea on some thrilling roads to the far reaches of our Island State."

During Targa Tasmania, the Cancer Council will also be undertaking a number of activities which will include a ride day for kids with cancer, promotional activities for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea and providing special auction items to raise funds for cancer research.

One team making a personal contribution to the Australia's Biggest Morning Tea event will be the Max Warwick/Anne Gigney combination driving a 2003 Porsche GT3 complete with Australia's Biggest Morning Tea signage. Gigney, who also competed with Peter Brock in the 2003 and 2004 Targa Tasmania events, is the state co-ordinator for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea.

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is just one of the fundraising events held by the Cancer Council hold throughout the year to raise money for research into the disease which affects one in every three Tasmanians*.

The Cancer Council was set up in 1995 with a mission to minimise the impact of cancer on all Tasmanians. Since 1995 their programs and services have grown as a reflection of both community need and support.

If people want to take part in Australia's Biggest Morning Tea or would like to make a donation to The Cancer Council Tasmania call 1300 65 65 85 or visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au <http://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au>

The 15th anniversary Targa Tasmania kicks off from Launceston in less than two weeks time. The 2006 courses traverses 2100km of the island state's most beautiful and challenging roads.

Some high profile entries competing in the drivetravel.com Modern Competition this year include: reigning Targa Tasmania champion Jason White in a Lamborghini Gallardo, Network Ten commentator Daryl Beattie in a Mitsubishi Evolution IX, factory Subaru driver Dean Herridge in a C-Spec WRX, multiple Targa Tasmania champion Jim Richards in a Porsche GT2.

Following his retirement from professional motor sport in late 2004, Making his return is 'The King of the Mountain', motoring ace Peter Brock, who will be driving a Daytona Coupe.

*Cancer Council statistics

-www.targa.org.au