Some of Australia's most successful tarmac rally drivers have analysed the reasons why Targa Tasmania's roads are the envy of world motorsport.
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High on their list is the sheer variety of roads that criss-cross the state.
The network of public roads embrace twisting routes with straighter expanses that cut through some of the most spectacular terrain in Australia.
Since the first Targa Tasmania in 1992, the event has evolved into the most pre-eminent tarmac rally competition in the world that will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year.
Ahead of the 29th edition from April 19 to 24, drivers outlined why Tasmania offers the best experience of a motoring odyssey.
Jim Richards, who with Launceston co-driver Barry Oliver has claimed a record eight outright Targa wins, said the highlight is driving on exhilarating terrain.
"The roads in Tassie are a real combination of up and down and around and nice flowing corners with some nice gorge style corners," said Richards, who retired from the competitive element of Targa after his 26th entry in 2018.
"It has a bit of everything. Its got a bit of wet and dry but the main thing is you get a chance to relax in between the stages.
"It's also great to have a bit of camaraderie with your co-driver and other competitors.
"Barry and I just really enjoy it. Now that we are just doing the tour (non-competitive) side of things it's not quite as serious and it's just a nice relaxing drive in the country.
"You are just going a little bit faster than you normally can. But you get a chance to look around and take in the surroundings a lot more.
"The scenery is different in Tassie than anywhere else in the country so it really is quite unique."
Accomplished circuit racer and 2019 Targa winner Paul Stokell is well qualified to judge what makes the event so special.
"I think it's probably the best event I've done anywhere in the world simply because of the diverse nature of the roads. You are out there on the road where you are allowed to drive unrestricted so its a pretty magical experience," said Stokell, who was born in Tasmania.
"It's one of the highlights of my driving career and the beauty about Tasmania is you are never going over the same roads twice.
"I guess I grew up on a lot of the West Coast roads and they just flow so well. The highways keep going through the mountain passes, the surfaces of the roads are pretty good and I don't think you could match it anywhere in the world.
"You look at events around the world, everything has been sterilised so much over the years particularly in circuit racing, so Targa and the Isle of Man races I consider as the last bastion of freedom that drivers and riders have a chance to really test their mettle against the elements."
The 2021 Targa Tasmania sets off from Launceston on April 19 with the first of 37 stages amounting to almost 620km of competitive distance and 2437m of total distance over six days.