So we have finally made it to day zero after a years planning and we're all very excited. The first day, or day zero as it's more commonly known is not an official competitive day and hence it's number. The sole purpose of this day is to seed everyone in relation to each other to put together a start order for the following days of the event.

After a very early start (7am crew briefing at the Silverdome for all competitors) the team were once again in high spirits with all final checks in place before the trip to Georgetown.

A quick photo opportunity presented itself with Jim Richards being parked very close to the Spider so we got him to pose with us and the Renault. It was at this point that we came to find that Mr Richards is somewhat of a massive Renault fan. A lengthy conversation about all kinds of weird and wonderful configurations that he has raced over the many years in motorsport he has entertained.

Cruising up the freeway in the very brisk Tasmanian weather early in the morning proved to be an invigorating, exciting and sometimes plain frightening experience. Not only do you get the feeling of crisp wind on your face, you also get the enjoyment of gravel and bugs being thrown your way. So without a windscreen to spray clean or helmet on, you certainly learn to have an affinity with nature.

This year the organisers of Targa have tried something a little different to speed up the process and make the day not quite so testing on the competitors nerves. Traditionally day zero is a LOT of waiting around. This time they seem to be getting closer to something with the right formula.

After a quick bite to eat the team were given the thumbs-up to head around to the start line. Again, they were in high-spirits and remarkably relaxed considering the task that they were about to embark upon.

After a final helmet check the team rolled up to the line with harnesses tightened and the ever rising heart rate as 'their time' grew closer second by second. The flag drops and the team shoot head long into the prologue. The first corner provided a gentle reminder as to what we were up for with an earlier competitor having a disagreement with some of the shrubbery.

The Renault handled well and made it through the stage in spectacular fashion, but not so spectacular that it ended our event. After setting a modest time in the Spider of 3:44 the team now are placed in 78th position in a field of 103. The Spider is surrounded by a bevy of 4WD performance cars but still seems to be holding it's own.

Bring on day one!