Inside Targa - Mr Mustang

We talk to one of Targa Tasmania's most seasoned racers, Len Cattlin about his regular involvement in the popular event

Targa legend Len Cattlin is renowned for his rapid mega-dollar Mustangs but unfortunately after speaking to the Carsales Network mid-way through Leg Four of Targa 2011, his orange Boss 302's engine bent a valve. Game over... But for Cattlin, Targa is not just about going fast in his Mustang...

Q: Why Targa, and not another form of motorsport?

A: Both (wife) Gayle and myself get a lot of personal enjoyment out of it and we do it together. Targa is one of the few things you have to be committed to one another to do. Two days ago we had a couple of mistakes with the notes and with the driver and you learn to compensate and be more forgiving with one another. Over time, it's made us stronger as a couple. We been together for 37 years and enjoy each other's company but Targa just highlights it.

Q: So Targa is the ultimate form of marriage counselling?

A: It is because if she does it wrong, by God we're in trouble and if I do it wrong we're also in trouble. You rely on each other and that's what we like about it and we meet couples of a similar ilk; we've made great associations over the last 12 years.

Q: But your Mustang would be a weapon on the track, why do road rallies?

A: I did circuit racing years ago. You buy performance in circuit racing, the more money you tip in the more up the front you are and it didn't interest me in the end. The people aren't the same. Targa people just welcome you into their hearts.

Q: Targa is much more dangerous than circuit racing, though; you don't find 30-metre gum trees in the exits of corners on the track... And you would be doing well over 200km/h on long straights?

A: Yeah we are, and you think of that and that's why people say I should put a paid navigator in for one Targa but that's not what I'm doing it for; I do it to do it with Gayle. And yes, we could be quicker and I take fewer risks because of Gayle, but I'm doing it because I've got a partner, not because I'm trying to be number one.

Q: This orange Mustang is your third for Targa?

A: Yeah, we built the yellow Mustang for 1999 then we had the green car and now the orange car, which is in a much higher state of tune than the other two. The yellow car was very similar to the orange car, the green car had very limited modifications and the orange car is fully modified.

Q: It's almost a V8 Supercar under the body?

A: The components are very similar, if not the same as a V8 Supercar's, which I find is cheaper over time and the components last longer.

Q: You've got a trick brake setup and over 600 horsepower (447kW)?

A: Yeah, it's got a lot of power. The front calipers run four different individual pads, so you can adjust the brakes but that doesn't mean to say that I'm good enough to use them (laughs).

Q : It's great to have the power and the car obviously handles well with adjustable V8 Supercar-style suspension, but is it the ideal car for Targa or are you just a Mustang head?

A: I work in cars all day and the last thing I want is to be in a car I don't like. If a Porsche that I don't like is going to be quicker, I won't be in it. I like Mustangs.

Q: What's your best result on Targa?

A: I dunno... I think third (in Classic). I don't know, I become a bit blasé about it; I only look at number one. We've won in Queensland and Targa Newfoundland and we've had a few seconds but here it doesn't matter.

Q: Targa is a pretty serious rally if you want it to be?

A: It is, the speeds you get up to... On some stages I'd look down and we'd be going 240km/h and the car is <fast>. You think “Gee whiz! Think about this!” and you pull back a bit but some boys don't; they're on it. But we're going alright.

Q: How long do you think you'll continue doing Targa?

A:  I'm going to try and build another car next year, probably a little Torana, and get my girls Kelly and Christie, involved. The girls want to have a crack at it and they're old enough.

Q : And you'll stop and just crew for them?

A : I wouldn't mind it... I think I've done enough with this car in this field. You can't win Classic unless you bring a Porsche and that's not me, so I'll build a car for the girls.

Q : And what will become of the big orange Boss 302?

A : We'll make the car a bit more versatile so we can do more meetings and do the Bathurst sprints at the end of the year.

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