Vintage Racing Services

Targa Newfoundland

Targa Newfoundland; September 9th – 13th, 2009

Racing’s calendar is always raucous come early fall. Drivers driven by that sense of seasonal realities provide the mandate: time to pick up the pace and finish this season with some on track flourish to counteract winter’s upcoming high speed motoring malaise! As our Semis arrive at Watkins Glen International to see to a fast company of VRS racers in upstate New York, Tim Ritchey is on his way a little…no a lot…. further north..Targa Newfoundland beckons. Aboard the VRS fifth wheel we have one fast Falcon seeking some sorting prior to 2009’s running of La Carrera Pan Americana and a host of tools, spares and rally event service accoutrements. Flying in come September 12th are seasoned rally racers driver Bill Shanahan and navigator Murray “The Legend” Smith. Years of very tricky high speed rally motoring has these guys working exceptionally effectively together. They have refined their craft to an art as the record clearly shows. We’ll be ready and they are surely ready to have another “good go” in challenging Targa NF style.

Tim’s route to Newfoundland is necessarily circuitous with plenty of two lane trailering and an overnight ferry ride. Not the usual interstate blast to trackside, but a great refresher for upcoming fall transportation challenges. All comes off without a hitch as Tim parks the rig in St. Johns Newfoundland to be ready for The Prologue, Sunday’s pre-event qualifier. Bill and Murray arrive on cue and the remaining pre –start time is spent testing, sorting and organizing as there’s little time for such luxuries come Monday’s 1st leg until Friday’s conclusion many miles down some dynamically daring stretches of tarmac.

The prologue goes well save some driver-to-navigator radio related communications problems which do not preclude their combined skills earning a good starting spot in the field. Radios are soon sorted with the help of our man on point, Keron Legerton. Monday sees a very fast field of contestants take to the roads with Shanahan, Smith and Falcon working in perfect harmony. The train just rolls on without a hitch; gratifying to all and especially Brian (back at Watkins Glen but on the phone) and Tim whose “hands on” but thankfully not doing any of the all nighters that the 2008 event demanded. Come Friday’s event and conclusion all are pleased to find:

16 /Classic/ 9 3-MS 3/ 3-MS-Large /1 312 Shannahan/Smith Ford Falcon Sprint 0:11:39

Yes indeed, 16th overall among a field of much more modern machinery…remember this is a classic not a contemporary entry and 1st in class. Well done Bill, Murray, Tim and all who worked so hard to see to this conclusion. On to La Carrera where nothing less is expected. If the test event goes this well what else would one expect ???…more to follow!!