TARGA BAMBINA Coromandel, Rotorua, Waikato

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Andy
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TARGA BAMBINA Coromandel, Rotorua, Waikato

Post by Andy » Tue Mar 17, 2015 12:50 pm

Thursday 14th May - Documentation and Scrutineering - Auckland
Friday 15th May - Sunday 17th May - Racing from Auckland through Coromandel and finishing in Rotorua.
The three day format simulates a mini Targa New Zealand - The Ultimate Road Race.
Challenging, but not too demanding, a great way to prepare for Targa New Zealand in October.

Day One: Starts with a leisurely tour from the Simunovich Olive Estate, Bombay, South Auckland as we head to the event’s first stage.Then a familiar 10km blast over smooth rural roads although there is a bit of a nasty steep downhill section to the finish. This is followed by a new take on an old favourite road, smooth and flowing all the way. The first service follows this with breakfast at Mangatangi School before tackling the demanding Lake Stage with a new longer finish. Once again like all these upper Waikato roads, this is smooth and flowing. A short blast follows this stage into the lovely village of Te Kauwhata for a well-earned lunch. Back again, for another lash at the extended Lake Road, before we tour over towards Thames and the stage with the very very acute corner onto a concrete based ford. After a service in the nostalgic town of Thames we head onto one of the most insane stages there are, winding up and over a mountain range 10kms of sideways heaven.The day finishes in the picturesque town of Whitianga, with parking overnight, outside the bars and restaurants. Whitianga is renowned for its fantastic hospitality and views. Enjoy a night out socialising by the sea side, but remember….Pumpkin Hill in the morning. Approx 144ks of stage

Day two: Starts just 20kms out of Whitianga on the main highway with a 12km “up and over” the hills, finishing in Tairua. This bit of State Highway was closed for its first time in Targa North Island last year (one wonders how does Targa do it ?!). This will no doubt be a bit of a wake-up call. Staying up late the previous night may not be a good idea! On to the Golden Downs stage before a service in Waihi, the Goldmine town. Off towards Matamata for lunch over the smooth and demanding roads…Drivers Delight. The Tour group will pop in for a tour around Hobbiton, one of New Zealands largest tourist attractions. After lunch a short tour to another old favourite, narrow, tight and tricky with the odd gravelly patch. A blast through Hobbiton, after two power pole incidents last year this stage will test your limits....Next we experience something new in Maungatautari before finishing in Rotorua at our new accommodating venue, the Rydges Hotel. Enjoy the fabulous hospitality of the Rydges or head into town to get amongst the culture, food and smell. Approx 136ks of stage.

Day three:
We start the morning with something new, just to keep you on your toes. But don’t worry we head back to those Targa favourites 40km south of Rotorua, the roads that have now become icons. You may experience sun strike, damp slippery tracks, kept moist by overgrown pine trees, many many intersections and a hydro power dam. Then its the winding,wet roads into the Lunch Stop at Tokoroa. Not to be outdone, a MARATHON stage on Sunday afternoon, through the Ngakuru/ Waikite Valley Region is an exhilarating first for Targa, a 67km stage! But there is no time to rest, the last stages of the day are tight and technically challenging, untold spectators all the way to finish in Paradise Valley, Targas favourite! Get the family along to the Paradise Valley Springs and enjoy a taste of Rotorua. We finish the event back at the Rydges hotel for Prize Giving and celebrations. Make sure you take the Monday off, because the heads will be sore. Approx 155ks of Stage.

This event is sure to test man and machinery. Total distance is over 400kms of Special Stage and only 640ks of touring all jammed into three days... the ratios are fantastic. Please note traditional rally ratios worldwide are 3kms of touring to 1km of Special Stage. This wraps up possibly our most exciting, compact event ever.
Not only has the Targa Bambina utilised some of the best roads in New Zealand but we are exploring two iconic parts of our country and seeing some magical scenery. The diverse array of roads means there is a stage that suits everyone and every car; be it Classic or Modern, or the fire breathing 4WD. Rotorua is a fabulous place to celebrate the event finish as its renowned for its restaurants, bars, hot pools and activities for the whole family. Why not bring the family away for the weekend to enjoy the hospitality and cheer you on. Monday can be spent resting the aching bodies in the hot springs and mud baths. This event minimises your time away from your busy lifestyles and still gives you a sense of achievement. Come and join the Ultimate Road Race for the Ultimate experience....and remember its not just motorsport.
Note: Subject to Council approval

chrismx5
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Location: Where's the bar?

Post by chrismx5 » Mon Mar 23, 2015 9:24 am

Yessss - should be entering this.
350z
Miata
E30
Primera
Silvia
A6..
I change my cars more than I change my clothes.

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Andy
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Post by Andy » Fri May 08, 2015 10:21 am

Bambina Maps
Bambina Stage Start Times

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Andy
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Post by Andy » Mon May 11, 2015 10:41 pm

Worked out what bus lanes are for on Saturday, launch testing tarmac rally cars, the extra grip of that green paint was enough to break a driveshaft cross. Best it wasn't on the first stage I spose.

Great South Road is a great proving ground, once a exploding clutch/flywheel and now a drive shaft.

Thank you Len Brown, transport correction should remain a priority

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Karljsw
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Post by Karljsw » Sun May 17, 2015 6:19 pm


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Andy
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Post by Andy » Mon May 18, 2015 1:07 am

Yup that cool lil fella was a local and helped us jack the car up, had a turn on the co-drivers intercom, chose to get a signature from the eventual winner of the event. Maybe Glen will print posters as well next event!

Or here for the real thing (2:05) and a Subaru popping over a bank (1:50) where we had a close call also ----> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnURGuH ... maeMFHSEps
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Andy
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Post by Andy » Mon May 18, 2015 10:50 am

Event went well, car was a jet boat on the first wet day but we soon caught up on day 2.
Took out third in index of performance which is good going for a relatively large capacity car. Category 2 once again a Kirk Burnand 1-2-3 benefit, the big V8 2WD cars are making their mark in the competition now with good performance from Commodore, Mustang, Torana etc with hi performance V8's and well sorted suspension.

We broke accelerator at end of a stage and repaired again at local garage with a 50 year old arc welder that could only just spark up, well done Big Sam, an asset to any motorsport team.
Popped a CV later in the day and again replaced in double quick time by the a slick team, Baker 93 getting his hands... and race suit dirty.
Smashed the front splitter across a big dip,leaving a beautiful white smoke trail across the valley for a substantial distance as it dug into the the front right tyre. Fixed with yellow warning tape from a timing crew before the inevitable cable tie solution at next service.
Car needs a full rebuild lotsa niggly wear.

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Andy
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Post by Andy » Wed May 20, 2015 11:22 am

Bit of a highlight also, huge NISSAN banner in the crowd at the end of the last stage, Paradise Valley Rotorua, who were they? Only us and Masao's Nismo 380Z in the competition but plenty of Nissan engined BMW's Escorts etc. Anyway thanks for the smile on our faces, what a great stage.

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