Mazda reveals new Targa weapon

Mazda will field a two-pronged attack in this year's Targa Tasmania with its target set on two wins. The Japanese firm will race an RX-8 gunning for outright honours and a new Mazda3 MPS targeting a Showroom class win when the rally gets underway on April 27.

The locally developed turbo RX-8 will once again be piloted by former Targa Tasmania winner Steve Glenney after a promising debut last year.

Rally young gun Brendan Reeves will return to the Mazda team to drive the new MPS after finishing third in Showroom class last year driving the old model MPS. He will be navigated by his sister, Rhianon Smyth, on what will be the pair's first major event since they suffered a horrific accident in last year's Rally South Australia. Smyth sustained major injuries but despite a lengthy stay in hospital she's ready to return to competition.

"Rhianon and I are really excited about this year's Targa," Reeves said. "Despite last year's setbacks we're both stoked to be back in the racing seat. Rhianon, due to her incredible fitness and determination, has made a full and remarkable recovery and we both can't wait to get back to what we love doing the most -- rallying. And racing at an event like Targa Tasmania for a professional racing outfit really is the pinnacle."

Unlike last year Reeves will be the solo Mazda3 MPS entered by the factory team with Rick Bates not returning to the squad despite a solid performance last year.

The new generation MPS has been developed by longtime Mazda Motorsport Australia boss, Allan Horsley; the same team that built the RX-8.

Because the car will compete in the Showroom category only minor performance and safety modifications can be made to the MPS, but both Horsley and Reeves are confident it can do the job.

"The Mazda3 MPS is an incredible out-of-the-box rally car, we've already proven that with three consecutive class wins and a tenth outright at Targa," Horsley said. "This year we have a more refined and evolved piece of machinery that has been improved in just the right areas for rallying; suspension, transmission and torque management."

Reeves added, "Allan and the team at Mazda have spent a lot of time on developing the new car, so all of that, along with the improvements made at the factory level are going to make for a really competitive car."

This year's Targa Tasmania will run from April 27-May 2 and covers over 2000km including 500 competitive kilometres.

As an aside, Mazda is also offering one lucky punter the chance to win a seat in the new Mazda3 MPS, and drive "over some of the world's best driving roads in this year's Targa Tasmania Tour" says the press blurb.

Just check out the home of Mazda Motorsport at MazdaMotorsport.com.au to enter. The winner will get:

• Driving entry into the Targa Tour on Saturday 1 May and Sunday 2 May
• Mazda3 MPS for duration of Targa Tour participation
• Exclusive VIP behind the scenes access to the Targa Tasmania command centre and finish marquee
• Three nights accommodation, flights, transfers and meals

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