Targa Tasmania driver Leigh Mundy remembered as ‘one of life’s gentlemen’ as tributes flow for the three racers who died

The children of a Hobart Targa Tasmania competitor who tragically died while racing over the weekend have released a touching tribute to their “ever-generous” dad. THEIR TRIBUTES >>

• Driver and co-driver killed in serious crash on Targa Tasmania’s Cygnet stage
• Fatal crash in Targa Tasmania rally day five on Lyell Highway

THE children of a Hobart Targa Tasmania competitor who tragically lost his life while racing over the weekend have released a touching tribute to their “ever-generous” dad.

On Monday, Leigh Mundy’s children James, Natalie and Sarah said their father “absolutely loved Targa and was thrilled to be competing again”.

“We’re having an impossible time understanding life without our good-humoured, ever-generous, fix-anything, fondly mischievous dad and his brilliant smile,” the trio said.

“Dad was a loving older brother to John and Katrina, fun uncle to his nieces and nephews, and beloved grandfather to his little revheads-in-training, Jack and Max.

“We sent our love to the other heartbroken families and thank everyone for their support and kind words about Dad.”

Mr Mundy, 68, and his Queensland co-driver Dennis Neagle, 59, died on Saturday morning after their Porsche hit a tree at Wattle Grove Road near Cygnet.

The double fatality came within 24 hours of NSW driver Shane Navin, 68, dying after his 1979 Mazda RX-7 crashed at Dubbil Barril Creek on Friday.

Driver remembered as ‘one of life’s gentlemen’

TRIBUTES have begun flowing for the three Targa Tasmania competitors who tragically died during the iconic rally, including Hobart resident and “one of life’s gentlemen” Leigh Mundy.

Mr Mundy, 68, and his Queensland co-driver Dennis Neagle, 59, died on Saturday morning when their 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS hit a tree at Wattle Grove Road near Cygnet.

The double fatality came just one day after NSW driver Shane Navin, 68, died when his 1979 Mazda RX-7 crashed at Dubbil Barril Creek on Friday.

It is understood Mr Mundy was a member of the family that ran the Mundy & Sons butchery that operated for more than 100 years, initially from Cygnet and then from Elizabeth Street.

Friends, loved ones and car clubs took to Facebook in an outpouring of memories and tributes.

“One of life’s gentlemen, rest in peace Leigh,” Greg Baker said.

“I first did Targa in 2002 and Leigh was already a legend,” Peter Okeefe said.

“Tears for my friend Leigh Mundy,” Rick Burt said.

Leigh Mundy with his daughter Sarah on her wedding day in December last year. Picture: Sophie Sullivan Photography

Mustangs Tasmania sent condolences to the Mundy family and noted it was “a very sad year for Targa Tasmania”.

A former employee also posted of his sadness.

“Such a sad day for the Mundy family … doing what you loved to do. Condolences to the Mundy Family sending hugs to you all,” Chris H Gunn said.

“The years I worked at Mundy’s he was more than a boss to the workers there, he was a friend, same as John his brother and Rex his dad, such a wonderful family. RIP Leigh.”

Mr Neagle’s friend and colleague Ray Dowling said the passionate driver had moved from New Zealand to Australia “to pursue his love of serious car racing, mainly Targa Tasmania, the longest and hardest road race in the world”.

“Dennis had competed in nearly every Targa since its inception in 1992. Our thoughts are with Dennis’s family,” he said.

Dennis Neagle with his wife Louise. Picture: Facebook

Fellow Targa competitor, navigator Tamie McNulty, said Mr Neagle had given her the courage to first compete in Targa.

“You were one of the first to be by my side at events since 2009. Always first to give me pointers for times and booking in. Such a gentleman who I admire dearly,” she said.

“You Dennis spent hours upon hours with me sharing all your tricks with me so I could enter as a confident and headstrong navigator.

“I couldn’t have gotten through as many years in rallying without you mate.”

Shane Navin died in a crash on the Lyell Highway section of Targa Tasmania. Picture: Supplied

Australian Tarmac Rally said Shane Navin had been a “well-known member of the Tarmac Rally family”.

“Shane, you were the beaming smile at every event, start line & finish line,” the organisation posted.

“While we are still short for words – you will be greatly missed.

“Keep driving buddy … we all know how much you love it.”

The two crashes are currently being investigated by police.

Follow @ambervwilson