Skelta G-Force driver Tony Longhurst has wasted little time in accommodating himself with the Australian made sports car, securing an equal second placed finish during this afternoon’s Prologue of the 2007 QUIT Targa West event.
Conducted over two runs of the 3.47 kilometre Perth Motorplex Longhurst was strong during his first ever competitive run in the Skelta to finish level-pegging with fellow Gold Coast driver Tony Quinn, but he admits there’s plenty of improvement to be made over coming days.
The two-time Bathurst champion is debuting at QUIT Targa West and although he hasn’t previously had any major experience behind the wheel of the Skelta his clinical approach is bound to hold him well during 33 special stages.
“Today’s Prologue was probably more suited to the Porsches with the stop-go acceleration pattern of the circuit. I found that the Skelta likes to sweep through cornering which will definitely hold us well in competition, ” said Longhurst.
“That being said we finished ahead of a lot of good cars and finished just behind Jim Richards so that’s not a bad starting point.
“I’m also still getting used to the car and made a few mistakes that probably cost us a few seconds in the first run.
“There are a few butterflies but the more time I spend behind the wheel the stronger we’re going to get so I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s start and we’ll see how things go from there. ”
Tomorrow’s first leg of competition will be held as the ‘Peter Brock Leg One’ in tribute to the motorsport great who tragically lost his life during last year’s event.
Starting from Forrest Place, the three-day event will wind through 33 special stages as the field of 78 cars cover a total of 1019.30 kilometres, including 225.09 competitive kilometres.
Four categories are represented at QUIT Targa West, two touring and two competitive – with the Modern Competition category the largest with 42 entries.
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