Rallysport: Rally duo show their drive

Mike Lowe and Phil Sutton. Photo/Groundsky.co.nz

When Sydneysider Mike Lowe crossed the Tasman 21 years ago to take up a management position in Rotorua, he brought with him his recently purchased classic car, a 1964 Fiat Abarth 1000.

"The plan originally was simply to restore it and use it on the road. Then Mike John went and organised the first Targa New Zealand event," Lowe said.

After 20 years of Targa events, Lowe and his 1964 Fiat Abarth 1000 are still going strong.

Lowe, and co-driver of 14 years Phil Sutton (Wellington), will race in Targa North Island this weekend which has taken over from Targa Rotorua and Targa Bambina this year.

Starting in Auckland tomorrow, the tarmac-only event will make its way down to Rotorua for the final day of racing on Sunday.

Of all the cars competing, only one has started and finished all previous Targa New Zealand rallies - the Team Enzed 1964 Fiat Abarth 1000.

Over the years, Lowe and his car have become icons in the up-to-1400cc class.

"We had rivals when the Minis were running but we seemed to have scared them away," he said about the class.

Lowe said they had a lot of good memories in the car over the years and were looking forward to another good event this weekend.

"One of the reasons you never see us at functions during the event is that we are working on the car every night," he said.

However, he said they simply loved racing in the 50-year-old car.

"[It gives] everyone involved in our team immense satisfaction ... a feeling that cannot be repeated with a modern car that is easier to drive and doesn't break down."

Last year, Lowe returned to Australia to take up a new job in Perth but he still returns to Rotorua, where his family is based, as often as he can.

He said he was proud to have the same sponsor, Enzed, after all these years racing Targa.

"Enzed came on board as naming rights sponsor when Targa first started," he said.

"We are proud that our iconic car has become synonymous with the company and we look forward to doing well again this year."

Teams will cover 458km of closed special stages and 830km of touring stages this weekend.

The final day of racing on Sunday will be spent in and around Rotorua and will be based at the Village Green.

The field will head south for the Ngakuru and Waikite Valley stages, west for Manawahe then back to the city via the top-of-the-lake Hamurana stage and final Paradise Valley stage.