PHOTO CREDIT: David Turk – Pixel Culture
If you happened to listen to our podcast episode with Ross Tapper, he spilt the beans on the expansion of the Targa Albany Sprint with the abscence of Race Wars this year.
This year it will be held over three sprints instead of just the one on Sunday 28th February and Monday 1st March 2021.
The Auto One Targa Quaranup Sprint has two race lengths and will be held on Sunday, and the Auto One Targa Albany Sprint held on Monday.
It’s a great long weekend of action as the City of Albany roars to life with 100 classic and modern cars racing the clock.
On Sunday (28/2/21), the Auto One Targa Quaranup Sprint will challenge competitors on either a 2.11-kilometre or a 4.5-kilometre course up to the historic Camp Quaranup.
The shorter course is a speed event for drivers only, while the longer course is a Rallysprint that requires a co-driver and a full safety set up car that includes a roll cage, five-point harness, front head restraints along with other requirements as set out in the regulations.
Access to Camp Quaranup will be via the Ferry, the details will be on the event website closer to the event.
The main event is on Monday (1/3/21), the Auto One Targa Albany Sprint, is a challenging 2.8-kilometre course starting from the Hybla Tavern at Middleton Beach and runs up to the Anzac Centre on Mt Adelaide.
Drivers (without co-drivers) will tackle the course five times, tallying up a total competitive distance of approximately 14 kilometres, the winner being the fastest run from top to bottom as opposed to the fastest accumulated time.
Auto One Albany partner Ramon Panizza, Albany’s locally owned auto parts store, said he was proud to be associated with a prestigious motorsport event.
“Targa Albany Sprint is a professionally run event and to have cars racing along the iconic Marine Drive is awesome,” Panizza said.
“We love to get behind local events and we’re looking forward to welcoming competitors, crews and fans to Albany for a long weekend of motorsport action.
“And, Auto One will be open all long weekend if any competitors need any last minute parts.”
Panizza, whose family has worked in the automotive industry in Albany for four generations, is also a competitor. He has spent the past 18 months rebuilding the engine in his 1976 Ford Escort Mark II.
Auto One Targa Albany Sprint attracts all kinds of cars including a 1938 Ford Pickup, 1963 Studebaker Lark, 1969 BMW, 1970 Porsche 911, 1980 Triumph TR7, 1975 Datsun 260Z, 1978 Leyland Mini, 1981 Holden Commodore, 2007 Chevrolet Corvette, 2014 Lamborghini Gallardo, 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance electric car, as well as a large array of models from Holden, Ford, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Mazda and more.
Auto One Targa Albany Sprint event director Ross Tapper OAM said the Amazing South Coast is a popular destination with the competitors.
“It’s a competitor favourite and great for spectators with stunning views over Frenchman Bay and along Marine Drive,” Tapper said.
“We limit entry to 100 discerning cars and it’s totally free for spectators.”
Another thrill for spectators is the RAAF flypast and aerobatics at approximately 12.45pm on Monday 1 March to celebrate their 100th anniversary. The best viewing location will be on Middleton Beach with parking at Eyre Park.
The pit area is free and open for spectators to mingle with the competitors and get up close and personal with the cars and crews. There are a number of fantastic locations to watch the rally action including the fast uphill straight along Marine Drive, accessible from the Boardwalk.
The entire event is run under the auspices of Motorsport Australia.
Racing is set to start at 9am and finish at 4pm. Check https://www.targaalbanysprint.com.au/spectators/ for details.
Competitors are racing for title honours and glory with trophies awarded to the top three and category winners at the Hybla Tavern after the event. Everyone’s welcome.
For more information on the Targa Albany Sprint and results, visit https://www.targaalbanysprint.com.au/
Targa Albany Sprint
Sunday 28 February to Monday 1 March 2021
Quaranup Sprint on either a 2.11-kilometre or a 4.5-kilometre course
Hill climb sprint, 2.8km course run five times
100 classic and modern cars
Held in Albany on the Amazing South Coast, WA
