Reigning champion Jason White has topped the official Temco Prologue for Targa Tasmania in George Town.
After a week when White’s father and grandfather died, he finished the 4.8km stage 2.8s quicker than Steve Glenney (Nissan GT-R).
White is running a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 after his $600,000 Lamborghini was incinerated at Targa Wrest Point earlier this year.
Glenny’s Nissan was in turn 3.8s quicker than former winner Tony Quinn, who is also campaigning a GT-R.
Matt Close was fourth best in his Audi TT RS.
“Winning the prologue was always important for my father,” said White.
“The old man always loved a prologue victory and would have a tear in his eye, so we couldn’t really ease into it – we had to go for broke right from the start.
“I was impressed with our run today – we were only two seconds slower than the Lamborghini.
“It was probably a bit irresponsible as far as tyre-wear goes and there’s no way we will be able to maintain that pace all the way to Hobart.”
In the classics battle, Peter Ullrich topped the Prologue in his 1963 Jensen CV8, betting the Porsche 916 of Ted Banks by 4.7s.
Launceston’s Ben Newman was fastest in the Showroom 4WD in his Subaru WRX STi.
VIDEO: Wrap from the prologue
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