TARGA TRAGEDY
NSW MAN DIES IN HORROR CRASH
TARGA Tasmania is mourning the loss of a loved member of its “family” after veteran NSW racer Shane Navin died when his Mazda RX7 plunged 10m and landed upside down in icy water.
The fatal crash happened on stage three of Targa Tasmania on Friday.
His co-driver Glenn Evans escaped with only minor injuries.
About 34km into the Mt Arrowsmith stage, Navin lost control of his 1979 Mazda on a tight right-hand corner crossing over Double Barrell Creek between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown.
The loss of 68-year-old Navin was the third fatality in 29 years of Targa.
John Mansell, 70, of Newcastle, was killed when his red Porsche Cayman hit a large gum tree during the first competitive stage in 2013.
Melbourne navigator Ian Johnson died in 1996 during the Riana stage in the state’s North-West.
Targa boss Mark Perry was rocked by the loss of Navin.
“This is a very sad time for the Targa community,” Perry said.
“Shane was a much loved and admired member of our Targa family.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to Shane’s family and friends on their loss.”
The crash held up West Coast traffic for five hours as Queenstown police, fire brigade and SES attended the scene, followed by crash scene investigators and the coroner.
The Mazda was pulled out of the water at about 4pm.
The cause of the crash is still being investigated and police have not yet determined at what speed the vehicle was travelling before it rolled.
“Any death on Tasmanian roads is tragic for family, those who attend the accident scene and those impacted more widely,” Inspector Gary Williams said.
“The Lyell Highway is a challenging road. It is elevated and windy.
“Anyone driving, even experienced drivers, are undertaking a serious task and the consequences of mistakes can be tragic.”
Premier Peter Gutwein said it was a tragic loss.
“On behalf of all Tasmanians, I extend my deepest sympathy to the friends and family of NSW Targa Tasmania driver Shane Navin, who died this morning while participating in the event,” he said.
“This is without a doubt a very sad time for the entire Targa community, and my thoughts are with you. Any death on our roads is tragic, and I understand Tasmania Police will be looking into the circumstances.”
Shane was a much loved and admired member our of Targa family. We our send heartfelt condolences to Shane’s family and friends on their loss. Targa boss Mark Perry
Targa organisers made the “considered decision” to continue the event.
At the front of the field, Eddie Maguire edged closer to overall victory.
On the arrival of the field in Hobart, Maguire and co-driver Zak Brakey had a 1m59s lead.
Maguire claimed four of the day’s six timed stages with one day remaining.
Angus Kennard and Ian Wheeler (2015 Nissan GT-R) took a big chunk out of the overall lead by topping the 52.51km Mount Arrowsmith stage before Maguire responded to top the final three stages of the day.
Trevor Macleod and Steve Glenney are 2m51s back in third overall.
Maguire and Brakey also lead the Dutton Garage GTO standings by the same margin from Kennard/ Wheeler, with Tony Quinn and Kate Catford third.
Macleod and Glenney have a decisive lead in Dutton Garage Early Modern 4. The pair are 14m59s ahead. In Dutton Garage Early Modern 2, Adam Kaplan and Aleshia Penney (2004 BMW M3 CSL) hold a 6m56s advantage.
Jon and Gina Siddins (1970 Datsun 240Z) have proved the class of the Shannons Classic GT field all week and go into the final day with a decent 6m18s lead.