Preliminary Results - 5th place overall
 Team AutoQuest has placed FIFTH overall in the 2009 Rotorua Targa! Somehow, as the weather cleared, that darn feisty Porsche GT3 RS started going faster and faster. Unfortunately, Targa rules set a very safe upper speed limit and in our case, penalty points were awarded. However, driver Gavin Riches reports winning a stage, coming in second in 2 stages and overall being thrilled with the car's performance…“just a little tweaking needs to be done before October (the Dunlop Targa) – just a little work”. We wish the entire team well, especially as they try to make the car invisible to the “speed satellite”! 6/13/2009 11:28:00 PM |
Rotorua (Day 2) Starting position
Team AutoQuest is scheduled to roll off at 3:25 pm Eastern Time. We wish our road warriors safe competition and a victory! 6/13/2009 11:14:00 AM |
Rotorua Day 1 (Closing Results) - 5th Place
  Rain, rain, go away! Team AutoQuest reports a wet, soggy afternoon. However, with the new suspension, the Porsche GT3 RS hugged the road and driver Gavin Riches reports absolutely no altercations with either the rugged terrain or stray barnyard animals!
The Rotorua Targa pumps almost $500,000 into this rural community. 170 teams make up a traveling entourage of 1500 plus people. And not only do local businesses benefit, the Targa infuses much needed revenue into non-profit sector by hiring schools as catering stops and car wash centers.
When Day 2 starts on (our) Saturday at 3pm, Team AutoQuest is hoping for sunny, dry weather. The route for the second day takes the drivers thru 10 stages (159km) stopping at Te Woutu School, Wharepapa School, Cambridge, Matamata and finishing back in Rotorua.
While the final score for Day 1 has Gavin and Steve in fifth place (something about a speeding ticket???), Radio NZ is reporting a gradual clearing in the weather for Sunday and everyone is ready for a big finish! 6/13/2009 9:43:00 AM |