Mazda Motorsport has campaigned two cars in this year’s Targa Tasmania; both powered by Haltech’s Platinum Series ECUs.

The ultra-competitive Mazda RX-8 SP of Steve Glenney was forced out of the event on Leg Three after colliding with a competitor who had unexpectedly stopped on the fifth stage of the day, Mt Roland. Lightning reactions and expert driving from Glenney meant that despite the heavy impact all involved walked away unharmed.

It was an unfortunate end to the RX-8 SP’s 2010 Targa Tasmania campaign, particularly given that it was sitting in third outright position entering the Mt Roland stage and was widely expected to further challenge the Modern leaders over the remaining two competition days.

With Steve Glenney behind the wheel, the Haltech-powered Mazda RX8 SP has surpassed everyone’s expectations taking the challenge up to the outright front-runners.

Mazda Motorsport’s second car; the Mazda 3 MPS has had better luck. Reeves and his co-driver (and sister) Rhianon Smyth started the final leg of Targa Tasmania in second, just three seconds ahead of the third-placed Mitsubishi Evo X of Dean Evans. Following a blistering performance on today’s final seven rain-drenched stages, the talented Mazda crew held onto second and extended their lead over Evans by 9-seconds.

In a magnificent display, the Mazda3 MPS won two of today’s stages and was also the fastest two-wheel drive car in the event.

Finishing ninth outright ahead of GT-Rs, Subaru WRXs and an Audi TTRS, the turbocharged Mazda3 MPS continued to punch above its weight over today’s seven challenging stages totalling 350km between Strahan and Hobart.

After five days, 40 stages and 2000 gruelling kilometres, the works Mazda3 MPS of Brendan Reeves has finished second in the 2010 Targa Tasmania Showroom competition and an incredible ninth outright amid what is one of the most competitive fields in the rally’s history.

Brother/sister team of Brendan Reeves and Rhianon Smyth secured a podium spot for Mazda Motorsport in its class and the title of the Fastest Two-Wheel Drive.

Mazda Motorsport is already looking towards next year’s Targa campaign. Alastair Doak, Mazda’s National Marketing Manager said “What a race – a great result for the Mazda3 MPS. But it is also a case of what could have been for the RX-8 SP. With our cars going so well the Mazda team are already looking forward to next year’s challenge.”

Read the full 2010 Targa Tasmania report here.

Watch the official Mazda Motorsport Targa videos here.