Rate this article:
REVIEWED: “Rust In Peace” By Malcolm Tucker
Malcolm Tucker delves into the photographic archives of the celebrated motoring historian Mike Worthington-Williams
Our Price: $49.00
"Le Mans", Starring Steve McQueen
The greatest racing film of all time! Dramatization of a man's tentative participation in the Le Mans race
Our Price: $14.99
“Monaco Grand Prix"
A photographic portrait of the world's most prestigious motor race.
Our Price: $75.00
Signed Bobby Allison Coca-Cola 1/24
1/24-scale die-cast replica is now available and personally autographed by Bobby Allison on the windshield!
Our Price: $54.95
Man-Made Thunder
Examine how the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has transformed from a performance-based sport into a personality-driven enterprise.
Our Price: $49.00
Jet-lagged from the 4,500-mile trek across the continent, sore from being jammed in a middle seat for both my flight from San Francisco to Montreal, and again on my flight to St John's, Newfoundland, but I am here.
Our first day on "the Rock" (the local nickname for Newfoundland) began at a leisurely 10:00am, which unfortunately is 5:30am California time, but at least it meant 6 hours of sleep. The order of the day was simple – pick up the car at H&H Auto, a local repair and restoration shop who handled the transport of our Mitsubishi Evolution IX from Toronto out here to the island.
The pleasant folks at H&H had my car parked outside and waiting for me. Other than being filthy from the journey halfway across Canada on an open trailer (it went in an enclosed hauler from San Francisco to Toronto with another carrier), the car is in good shape and all of our spares and gear are still well secured inside.
H&H are a family operation. Owned by husband and wife team Carl and Doreen Hamlyn, the shop has helped competitors get cars out to the island, travels with the rally to help tow cars who are broken, stranded, or stuck in a ditch, and has managed repairs and rebuilds after quite a few major accidents. Clearly not in it for the money (I'm still unsure how they profit from either the transport or the towing, once you factor in their time and the cost of fuel), the Hamlyns have participated in every running of the Targa since the start in 2002. Without hesitation, H&H will help anyone in need and will do whatever it takes to make sure you stay on the road in the competition.
That's the spirit of Targa, and that's the spirit of Newfoundland.
From my short stop at H&H, I took our Evo IX to the local Mitsubishi dealer. The Mitsubishi brand has only been in Canada for a few years, and does not offer many of their models there, including
Robert O'Leary, the general manager of the dealership, was kind enough to volunteer the shop for any help I might need in preparation for the event. With a suspension made up of mostly aluminum arms, a quick trip to the laser alignment rack let us get the car back within our racing specs after the bumpy tow across the continent. This was followed by a quick wash, along with lots of questions about the car, the modifications, and what has been done to the car.
I never tire of discussing the car or this sport that I love so much, so visiting Capital Mitsubishi was as much a treat for me as I hope it was for the employees at the dealership. The Mitsubishi Lancer and the Outlander SUV are hot sellers here in Atlantic Canada. No surprise given their strong performance in bad weather and high level of specifications for the money. Hopefully I can repay Mr. O'Leary and crew with a few more sales as the locals see that Mitsubishis can be Porsche and BMW beaters as well as great everyday rides.
We'll be closing our first day in Newfoundland with a nice, quiet dinner on the beautiful St John's waterfront. Unfortunately it's not yet time of year where you can see icebergs and do a little whale watching in the bay, but the famous Newfoundland hospitality and fantastic food should make the night more than enjoyable. It'll be the last evening of rest, as registration and technical scrutineering start bright and early tomorrow morning.
READ THE TARGA INTRO HERE
READ THE MAZDA TEAM STORY HERE
- Press Releases | Advertising | Jobs | Feedback | FAQ | Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Site Map
Fox Sports | FUEL TV | FX Network | FOXReality | National Geographic | IGN | AskMen | BeliefNet -
The Online Motorsports Authority© Copyright 2009 Speed Channel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.