Quit Targa West

[260DET]

First serious world competition win for the R35? On factory tyres too.

And another Datto, Moir's 240Z second in Competition Classic.

[Snowman]

When I last chatted to him he said he was looking at Mt Buller next but it was a toss up between that and Dutton NSW (he is leading the drivers comp in the Dutton National but a) I don't think he can lose it and b) I heard Gazzard wasn't doing NSW anyways and c) I think he might be more keen on the full rally stuff now anyways).

But as for all the fanboys with the "street tyres" comments - I know there aren't any true R Comps in 20's yet but I also know Steve did a bunch of tests on different compound tyres before going with those Dunlops (I don't think they are the option ones delivered with the car but are something else?? When I was over with him at a testing day earlier this year I noticed they had a very blocky tread block similar to the Kuhmo Semis) But if you look at some of the results around the world with even things like all these cars running sub 7:30 at the Nurburgring on these "street tyres" I think we can all safely say that these tyres actually stack up pretty well to an R Comp over short runs. I know I was blown away with the lap times we recently did at Phillip Island in the Audi R8 on a set of these new wave "street tyres". But they did drop off after say 2-3 laps or say 5mins of heat but Targa West has hardly any longer stages and I think the long ones was where Steve struggled the most yeah?

[Marlin]

Well said Snowy, I'm not privvy to anything that Steve ran, but agree these new gen "street tyres" must be something a bit speccy considering the 'ring times etc. Given there's not too many really long stages in Aus rallying (longest is Arrowsmith @ 47.8klm) these tyres might not be as bad as i first feared?

I do think it's important to remember that Tugga West is by all accounts a very fast rally, favouring the big top end cars like the R35 and Porsches. Other rallies in my opinion will hold a much better indication of how good the 35 is going to be, and whether weight will have a significant bearing on the performance. Of course, this may or may not be clear until a few tyres are developed to suit the car.

But again, props to the crew, Steve is obviously a very very good steerer, and don't forget his nav was right there for him calling the shots, and would need balls of steel to get a "new" guy to rallying going that quickly.

[Snowman]

Yeah I hope he brings the car to Mt Buller. That will be a great test as it's uphill (obviously) so we'll see how the weight effects it and its all 10min runs so again we'll see how that effects the tyres.

Are you doing it Ben?

[Marlin]

Not at this stage Can't afford the time really, but doing Rally Burnie with Russ which will be friggin awesome, and with any luck I'll get to Buller to party saturday and sunday. YT wants me to go, he reckons he has a score to settle re the slap comp at the bar last year. lol

[Snowman]

As in Feb 13-15?

[Marlin]

Nope... as in first weekend of October.. in a few weeks!

[Snowman]

Ok - all these Rallies keep changing names which has me confused.

[Beer Baron]

well done guys. excellent result in some serious company. they must be over the moon.

[Marlin]

Ok - all these Rallies keep changing names which has me confused.

Sorry mate, it's actually called The Tasmanian Tarmac Challenge now, but it doesn't really roll of the tongue like Rally Burnie.....

[260DET]

For street tyres I think most people understand them to be genuine street legal and suitable for everyday use, compared with R comps/semi slicks which are really competition tyres which do not suit everyday use. The dividing line between the two may be thin but its there.

[FranZ]

Incar vid of Steve Jones and Ruari Soutar-Dawson in the R35 GTR.

SS09: Mcness 2: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=P4LnkJH20Yo

SS05: John Forrest 2: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=0FGI9VPBr_E

More stages are going to be online in the next few days.

Personally, Mcness is my favourite.

[dan_the_man]

Incar vid of Steve Jones and Ruari Soutar-Dawson in the R35 GTR.

SS09: Mcness 2: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=P4LnkJH20Yo

SS05: John Forrest 2: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=0FGI9VPBr_E

More stages are going to be online in the next few days.

Personally, Mcness is my favourite.

wow...!

[FranZ]

Another incar:

Toodyay 2: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2KRV-vxtlo