There will be lots of excitement at this weekend’s GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint as the popular West Australian tarmac rally runs under lights for the first time.
A capacity entry list of 130 competitors will take to the streets of Bunbury, headlined by Repco Supercars Championship co-driver Alex Rullo, Mark Cates and Chris Caruso, with all competitors to get multiple attempts at the 4km course and against the clock.
The event will also cater to car enthusiasts with fans allowed to soak up the action from designated spectators areas and the Shannons Show ‘n’ Shine Friday 4 night, which will showcase the rally cars from 5:30pm outside the Bunbury Hotel.
Event Director Ross Tapper was confident there would be a great atmosphere at the event as as they compete into the evening for the first time.
“It’s the first time we’ve run the GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint at night, and to keep things fair, we’ve split competitors into two groups to manage the number of runs each car has in twilight and at night,” Tapper said.
“After moving the event from June to December due to COVID, we could have expected hot weather hence wanting to run into the cool of the evening. Instead, it’s looking like it will be a mild 24 degrees and obviously cooler at night – perfect conditions for a rally.”
“The street circuit will be exciting for competitors, spectators and local businesses as the drivers give it their all to finish on the podium.”
While there are a number of talented drivers on the entry list, some of the machinery cars listed to compete are just as impressive with the classic Minis, Datsuns, Toranas, Ford Escorts and Mustangs all confirmed to feature.
For Rullo, who last raced at the Repco Bathurst 1000 in 2019, the opportunity to compete at this weekend’s event behind the wheel of his father’s 2020 SSC Lotus Exige Targa GT machine was an exciting one.
“I’m looking forward to the GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint in the old boy’s car, so keeping it on the track is the goal,” Rullo said.
“I’ve never seen the GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint or competed in any Targa events and I’ve always wanted to, so I don’t really know what to expect.
“I’ve only driven the car once on the road and not at speed, but it’s power that I’m used to. I’m just going to go out there and have fun.”
The GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint will take place at the Halifax Light Industrial Area in Bunbury on 4-5 December.
Other events around Australia this week
GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint
Targa West Pty Ltd
Halifax Light Industrial Area, Davenport WA
5 December
Marque Sports Car Vic Track Day
Marque Sports Car Association Victoria
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Phillip Island VIC
5 December
Vintage Stampede and Hillclimb
Vintage Sports Car Club Of WA
Wanneroo Raceway, Neerabup WA
5 December
Bagshot Rallysprint
Historic Rally Association Inc
Bendigo Car Club Motorsport Complex, Bagshot VIC
5 December
2020 National Patios ACT Khanacross Series - Round 4
Light Car Club Of Canberra Inc
Canberra Greyhound Racing Club, Symonston ACT
5 December
Round 3 2020/21 Mud Racing Season
Top End Mud Racing Association
Downes Park, Hidden Valley NT
5 December
Symmons Plains 150
Tasmanian Off Road Car Club Inc
Symmons Plains Raceway, TAS
5 December
Round 3 2020 Legana Tyres and More Khanacross Series
Motor Sports Club Of Tasmania Inc
Tarmac Speedway, Powranna TAS
5 December
GCC Club Hill Climb
Gippsland Car Club Inc
Bryant Park, Yallourn VIC
5 December
Autocross Day-Night
Ipswich West Moreton Auto Club Inc
102 Champions Way, Willowbank QLD
5 December
Skid Pans
Driving Sports Incorporated
Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek NSW
5 December
Drift School Level 1 & Level 2
Drift Cadet
Winton Motor Raceway, Winton VIC
5 - 6 December
Ringwood Team Hillclimb Regularity
MG Car Club (Newcastle) Inc
Ringwood Park, Balickera NSW
6 December
AROCA Phillip Island Sprint
Alfa Romeo Owners' Club Of Australia (Vic) Inc
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Phillip Island VIC
6 December
Round 3 Motorsport - Sandown
Impreza WRX Club Inc - Vic
Sandown International Raceway, Sandown VIC
6 December
MG Car Club Geelong - Motorkhana
MG Car Club Geelong Inc
Geelong Traffic Safety Centre, Geelong VIC
6 December
CCRMIT Christmas 2020 Motorkhana
Car Club RMIT
Pakenham Auto Club Motorkhana Track, Pakenham VIC
6 December
Coghlans Carnival
Ballarat Light Car Club Inc
Ballarat Airport, Mitchell Park VIC
6 December
Tasmanian Motorkhana Championship
Mini Car Club Of TAS
58 Patrick St, Bothwell TAS
6 December
LCORC 2020 Khanacross & SEAC Round 5
Limestone Coast Off Road Club Inc
Mount Gambier Showgrounds, Mount Gambier SA
6 December
Group5 HSCCV Motorkhana Rd3
Holden Sporting Car Club Of Victoria Inc
TCCA Grounds - McGraths Road, Werribee VIC
6 December
Round 12, 2020 Club Championship
Douglas Shire Motor Sport Association Inc
Reef and Rainforest Track, North Mossman QLD
6 December
SDCC Test and Tune
Shepparton & District Car Club Inc
Little Road Track, Mooroopna VIC
6 December
Summer Autocross Series Rd 2
WA Car Club Inc
Perth Motorplex, Kwinana Beach WA
9 December