VIP Petfoods Nissan R35 GT-R Finishes Second In Targa Wrest Point Tarmac Rally

The VIP Petfoods R35 GT-R driven by Tony Quinn has taken a hard-fought second place in this weekend's Targa Wrest Point tarmac rally in Tasmania.

Greg Garwood at the wheel of his Porsche 911 GT3 RS took out top honours but was chased all the way to line by Tony in the R35.A mere three seconds separated the pair at the checkered flag. Both drivers managed to best tarmac veteran Jim Richards in his Porsche 911 GT2.

For Quinn, this was his second race event with the GT-R and he confirms that he now "believes in the car". Tony went on to explain that he feels the car is easier to drive fast than the Porsches he's piloted in the past, a comment backed up by his 191km/h top speed record on stage TS3 Geeveston.

Obligatory safety upgrades are installed but the car is otherwise standard, retaining factory suspension and tyres. An upgraded exhaust has been fitted, as Tony prefers some noise from his ride, but all things considered, it's close to a factory car in spec and a very competent package.

Quinn had this to say on the R35's performance:

The Donut King GT-Rs also contested the event, driven by Tony Alford and Peter Leemhuis, but did not fare as well as the VIP Petfoods entry.

Alford's car suffered from braking issues and managed 9th outright while Leemhuis took the GT-R bush and did not finish the event.

Thanks to Joel Strickland Photographics, we are able to provide you with a gallery of the event. Joel's site will be of interest to anyone looking for high quality pics of cars in general and motorsport in particular.  There is also a clip from the television coverage showing a handful of competitors tackling the undulating course. You can check it all out below.

[Sources: GTRBlog.com and Joel Strickland Photographics]