While a helicopter flew below me.

Targa Tasmania has been run and won for yet another year. Tony Sullens has shown that to win you don't need the absolute latest in exotic machinery if you are able to drive very quickly and consistently under ever changing road conditions. His 1999 Subaru WRX also proved you don't need a boot spoiler you can have a dinner party on to run fast on the road as it had a distinctly naked rear end!

Second was legend Jim Richards in his new Porsche that had only run 600km's when Targa started. It should be well and truly run in by now as even I drove 2000km's in five days just chasing the buggers around.Just imagine what it's going to be like when he starts tinkering with it! Third was ex-V8 Supercar driver Tony Longhurst who has really shown a liking for tarmac rallying.

Some of my personal highlights from the week have been watching Steve Coad manhandle his monster 700hp Monaro, seeing the jump over the railway track at Ross back to it's best, watching a platypus play under the bridge at Fern glade while 200+ cars roared passed above it, rally legend Ross Dunkerton being unbelievably quick in the "Rookie Rally" and standing on the edge of a sheer drop on the road out of Queenstown shooting cars from above while a helicopter flew below me.

Lowlights include the early exit of my 2 favourites to win, Alan Simonsen and Jason White, the drive from Burnie to Queenstown very late at night in the rain and fog dodging wildlife and log trucks and finally the total dickhead who ruined my favourite stage, Natone, by pouring oil on to the road cancelling the stage.

When time allows I will update my website with new photos but in the meantime check out the Mazda website www.mazda.com.au/targa and you can see my shots in the gallery.

At the moment my family and I are going walkabouts around Australia so who knows what event I shall be shooting next but don't be surprised if the next update is from the Australian Rally Championship round in Canberra.

Dumb & Dumber

Yes,it's Targa Tasmania time again. I've headed back to the apple isle to shoot for Mazda who are entering a 3 car team. We have Rally star Rick Bates and Anthony McLoughlin in an rather fast Mazda 3MPS, an all girl team of Mel Both and Sam Stevens in a Mada 6MPS and the stars of the tv show hook,line and sinker, Dumb & Dumber. At least thats what it says on the side of Nick & Andrew's Mazda2. If you have ever watch their show you will know that they never take themselves too seriously and they are great fun to be around. I just love this shot of them looking as though they are Top Gun pilots! If you are interested check out www.mazda.com.au/targa and in the gallery you will see more of my pics.

We have quite a few celebs in Targa this year and the biggest would have to be the movie star Eric Bana. If you don't know him he has been in The Hulk, Munich, Black Hawk Down and much more. He is driving a very special Ford Falcon GT which he has owned and loved since he was just 15. It is a true work of art and he has obviously lavished a lot of money on his pride and joy.

Prologue was held today which is a quick blast around the streets of Georgetown to sort out the starting order for the rally. The surprising winner was Matt and Casey Close in their Porsche 911. But in 2nd place was my tip for the event Alan Simonsen. When you consider he had just flown in from Europe last night after competting in the Le Mans series he should be pretty quick after a good nights sleep! But don't right off Jim Richards who was 3rd although he has bought his brand new 2wd Porsche which is alot lighter than the 4wd so his event will depend on us getting a dry event. I for one hope it's dry although the forecast is not that good. We shall soon see.