Paul Dowie and John Allen (Porsche GT3RS) (main photo) continued to extend their lead in the 2025 Targa NZ over David Rogers/Shane Reynolds in the Mitsubishi Evo X RS and now have a 58-second buffer. Their aim Sunday’s final day is simply to “preserve our lead and stay focused”. Mike Tubbs /Matt Bailey BMW M2) are a further 6 minutes back.
The penultimate day of the Targa started with the cars traversing the 19km Pohangina Valley stage which is at the foot of the Ruahine Ranges. The cars then travelled north for two more stages before the lunch break and service in Taihape.
They then traversed the Gentle Annies which was split into three separate stages before the final test in Hawkes Bay, although this stage required some assessed times when the Toyota Yaris of Robert Darrington suffered a mechanical issue between the finish line and the timing control.
Andrew Oakley and his co-driver Steve Hutchins (Audi RS5) who had been leading the 4WD Production class had an “off” in stage 29 which gifted the lead to the Subaru WRX STI of Michael Chora and Rachael Ferrante
Targa regular Martin Dippie (Porsche GT3 RS) was another retirement when he clipped the side of a bridge on Stage 24 rendering the car un-repairable for the final day. This was after the day started with him not being able to find the keys to the Porsche. They were later found in one of his socks!
Bevan Claridge and Campbell Tannock (Holden Commodore) continue to lead the Classic 3401cc and over class but sit in third place in the overall 2WD Classics after the electrical issue which they found to lie with the fuel pump motor. Although he is now making ground on the Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 of Mark McCaughan he has conceded that it would be an uphill struggle to catch him.
Of the regional entrants Derek Moore, who has Fleur Pedersen co-driving the Audi RS4 has a lead of 1 minute over Bruce Herbert and Samantha Cox. In third place is David Smith and Ian McKee who are a further 3 minutes behind in third place.
Tomorrow ‘s seven stages will be to the south of Hastings before the ceremonial finish which will be at the Hastings Golf Club.
Targa NZ Results – Day 4 (Top 15)
Pos Driver Co-Driver Make Model Class
1/ Paul Dowie /John Allen Porsche GT3RS 6
2/ David Rogers/ Shane Reynolds Mitsubishi Evo X RS 9
3/ Mike Tubbs /Matt Bailey BMW M2 6
4/ Charlie Evans/ Carol Liston Mazda RX7 7
5/ Laura Rogers /Gavin Rogers, Porsche Cayman 6
6/ Nathan Apatu /Donna Elder, Porsche GT3 6
7/ Michael Chora/ Rachael Ferrante, Subaru WRX STI 8
8/ Andy Oakley /Steve Hutchins, Audi RS5 8
9/ John Ireland/ Bernie Webb, Dodge Viper 6
10/ Dave Strong /Rob Scott, Honda Jazz RS 7
11/ Richard Ramson/ Adam Lyall, Ford Mustang 7
12/ Xavier Franklin/ Jaidyn Gluskie, BMW M2 6
13/ Mark McCaughan/ Lindsay Lyons, Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 2
14/ John Thomson/ Sarah Thomson, BMW 135i
15/ Graeme Wong /Matt Flewellen, Toyota Yaris GR 8
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