Tas Super Series Targa B 3rd Place

Its great that I finished 3rd in Targa B for 2008. While I would of loved to have won it wasn't to be, not this year anyway.
I haven't caught up with David yet to grab some more photos, he has had other things on he's mind, including the unfortunate passing of a family member. I can only give him my best wishes.

I was feeling confident of doing really well at the final round. Finishing 2nd for the series was only by thought. I really wanted to end the year on a high, possible with a round victory.
Mistake #1. Trying brake pads in qualifying that I wasn't sure about was a bad mistake. They didn't even allow me to do 3 laps hence I didn't do a good lap and started almost rear of field in 17th position.

Race 1. (6 laps) Cant complain really (hang on yes I can. Passed cars under a yellow flag and got a talking to but thankfully let off with a warning. Wont ever do that again)
Passed 8 cars in 6 laps to finish 9th (on the road, only passed 2 cars in class)

Race 2.(8 laps) Passed another 5 cars to finish 3rd in class (Targa A B and C all running)

Race 3.(8 laps) My Nemesis for 2nd place was now a just a car away. But I was just trying to win. He lead the the first couple of laps until he was passed on the outside into the last corner. I tried the same move a lap later but had to try again as I didn't get pasted the first time. (see pic in previous post below)
On lap 7 I was on the verge of catching 1st place, but got loose (in the same spot as photo below) and lost a bit of ground. I was banging the steering wheel in frustration as I crossed the line to start the final lap. Missed it by that (0.60) much. I was feeling dirty.

Race 4 (final 10 laps) I thought I was looking good for a win in this one. Just had to get a good start. That didn't happen. Lost a spot into the first turn and battled away for 5 or 6 laps till I tried a passing move that didn't come off. Then missed a gear which didn't help and lost a couple of more spots. Finished 5th in that one and 4th overall for the day. Not really what I had in mind.
But that's racing. I enjoy being competitive, it beats being flogged. I know I can drive fast enough, I know the car isn't quite good enough. I know with a bit of luck and fine tuning I can win races and the series. All the results have yet to be sorted but I know that I am in the top 20 drivers across all circuit racing categories for the 2008. I am now a 40yo. Like to say I'm younger but I'm not. Up till 2006, I hadn't raced for 14 years. I'm now driving faster than ever. I finished 3rd in a competitive series, I finished 5th last year after sitting 2nd for most of it. The plan for next year is to go 2 better.

If butts and maybe's TSS Final 08

Just a quick report on the final round for 2008. Below is 1 2 3 for 2008 in Targa B
While the green car in front had the series in the bag, I went into the final round trailing the white Evo by 13 points. Try as I might, I had to settle for 3rd. Which is a great result considering the up and down year we've had. What I am a little disappointed with was not finishing the year off on a better note. After trying some different brake pads out in qualifying (bad idea) I didn't set a good time and spent the day playing catch up. I passed everyone in Targa B and C bar the series winner over 3 races and was poised to at least try and win the final race of the year, but went the other way back a couple of spots. To make matters worse I gave a good mate a whack which nearly spun him out (again I'm sorry mate!!)
Anyway, Ill do a longer speel a bit later when I have some more photo's and sorted the video.

A BIG thanks to
David Clifford Photography
Cable Mate
Benson Motorsport
Hard 2 Beat Parts
And my dad, Barry. Without their help it would be a lot harder, without Dad's help I wouldn't be doing it.
And Mum for everything she has done to help.



2nd and 3rd place 2008