Yesterday’s Targa NEw Zealand leader, David Rodgers lost the lead on Day 2 to Marcus Van Klink and his co-driver Matt Richards on stage 9 and are now sitting back in sixth place.
The first five stages of the second day of the 2023 Targa New Zealand took in the roads 40-minutes to the west of Rotorua and were centered near the small village of Wharepapa South including lunchtime servicw. Competitors then progressed on to the last two stages which were within spitting distance of Lake Rotorua.
Brian Green’s Day continued to be interrupted with the fuel issue from yesterday, causing him and Fleur to complete just 2 stages. Van Klink now has a 1 minute 12 second lead over Mike Tubb’s, but moving into third position is Roy Callaway and co-driver Samantha Gray. The pair is also leading the 4WD class by just 2.7 seconds over Jason Gill and his co driver Brianna Little in the VW Polo.
The first stage, Special Stage 7 was cancelled part way through when one of the leading competitors came across a member of the public’s car travelling the opposite direction. The safety action plan went into force and the decision was made to downgrade to a touring stage. The rain was heavy at this time and continued until mid-morning when it started to fine up.
The field of 11 Time Trial cars is currently being led by Craig Inger and Henry Cassin in a Mazda MX5 having accumulated just 4 points. In the Classic 2WD class Bruce Farley and Glen Warner took over the lead when Bevan Claridge and Campbell Tannock had to retire with a blown head gasket.
Tomorrow the procession will complete 5 stages enroute to Palmerston North.
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