Yet another glorious Tasmanian day greeted us as we left our accommodation and headed to The Silverdome for day 2 of Targa. The forecast top temperature was a mild and sunny 20 degrees, which suited us just fine.

All competitors are truly amped about this day as it's the first chance for them to mix it up and test their skills on the most famous and challenging stage, The Sideling.

In years past this stage has been a true test of a crews mettle. This year was no exception with a number of vehicles finding their way off the tarmac, some in spectacular fashion, such as the Lotus Exige Cup 240 of Deon Attard. He managed to flip his car and slide on the roof for 100m before coming to rest in a farmers shed. Click for full story and pics.

The teams day was a complete success in that they completed all stages in the times that they were hoping for and all without incident. The was one moment of concern when the Spider just-didn't-want-to-make-it-that around a corner. All went well after that point in any case.

Touring was the big hit of the day today. Many and varied landscapes were traversed, from rainforest through to seaside beaches and rolling hills. All of this scenery makes for picture postcard type material that makes you want to return to Tasmania again and again, just to do things in your own time and not at the hectic pace in which Targa Tasmania is carried out.

Upon returning to The Silverdome and giving the car a wash a few checks were made as part of the once over that is performed by the crew. In these checks it was found that the only 'damage' for lack of a better word, that was sustained by the the Renault was a broken engine cover fastener. Judging by some of the incidents today, it could have been a lot worse. This has now been repalced by a performance part and the car all ready for another days competition.

Eagerly anticipating day three and the halfway mark of the Ultimate Tarmac Rally, Targa Tasmania.