From Targa 2009 – Prologue George Town

Targa Tasmania 2009 kicked off today with the event prologue in the northern village of George Town.  We were there to catch the action, and the stunning array of modern, and classic race cars.  The event proper kicks off tomorrow and we’ll be out and about later in the week to catch some more.
Scott’s photos from today are here, one of each of the cars, with the faster guys at the end.
Heavy’s photos from today are here, and include some static shots from the pre-event Expo tonight.
Here’s a few favourites:

• Cortina – for Heavy D (I haven’t seen him that excited since the days of the Mugen Bulldog)
• Escort – for Barger the old NZ rally nut
• RX3 – for Brett R
• Torana – specially for Andrew L
• and of course, the finest rally car of all time

Some of these might be wrapped around the Tassie scenery by the weekend, so enjoy them in their pristine glory!
UPDATE:  Day 2 – Sideling

This morning we got out to the famed Sideling stage.  It was about -2 when we arrived to sit and wait for an hour or so as the sun came up, and cars arrived.  Photos are here, including tour, some of the slower competition cars, and the top 10 or so.  Most of the rest I have on video, and will upload later tonight.  Off to Longford for the afternoon stage now!
Needless to say as soon as they re-opened the Sideling road, we had to transit the whole length of the stage to reach the nearest bakery, and then back again.  What a magic piece of road.  Heavy has only just unclenched his cheeks an hour after we left the mountains!
UPDATE: Day 2 – Longford
We made it out to Longford (near Launceston) for another stage this afternoon.  Amazing to see Porsche, Ferrari, Corvette, Lamo battling it out around suburban streets in a small rural village.  Awesome!
Photos from Longford are here.
UPDATE: Day 2: Sideling Videos
We’re uploading videos from the Sideling stage.  There are 5 collections, each featuring 15-30 cars.  The faster cars are in the later collections, but check them all out – the earlier collections feature some classic cars (including Barger’s favoured Escorts).  If you’re looking for the ’08 Nissan Skyline GTR look in the 5th collection.

• Collection 1
• Collection 2
• Collection 3
• Collection 4
• Collection 5

That’s it – no more Targa for us this year!