Today was our last day of driving the Mazda MX5 around Tasmania - a car which has been a great drive, and hence it was also the last day of the Targa Tasmania.
After a few outstanding Tasmanian beers the night before, there was a lot of activity happening in Hobart, and a buzz awaiting the arrival of the Targa Tasmania fleet.
This created a great opportunity to check out the lunch break at nearby New Norfolk - which was basically a petrol heads dream, with millions of dollars’ worth of Cars and Drivers in the one place (see above).
We chatted to a couple of drivers who had entered a Mazda MX5 in the field – they were great value! They had survived a close shave with a barbed wired fence and had done well to keep going throughout the race – which can be one of attrition.
The Drive to New Norfolk
Just outside of New Norfolk, there is a big stump of one of the tallest trees in the world - the Mountain Ash, or Eucalyptus regnans for the botanists out there.
This specimen would make a few toothpicks:
I even managed to catch up with two legends of Australian Motor Sport - Jim Richards and Dick Johnson - who has driven for Mazda previously.
This interview includes a description of some funny moments that happen on the Targa Tasmania including being 'flashed' at by female spectators on the side of the road.
Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Prwh34PD-XM
Well that's it from me from blogging on the road. Myself and John have really enjoyed the trip and hospitality of the Tasmanian people, and the windy roads were a dream for driving around in the Mazda MX5.
We might see you again sometime!