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The Event
The Event
While motorsports enthusiasts the world over know the specifics behind our event, we know for many ‘Targa’ is a seen as simply, ‘a car event’.
But for seasoned Targa fans, they know we’re much more than a car event!
We’re proud to be one of only three Targa events in the world – the others being Targa Tasmania and Targa New Zealand. Our event began with in 2002 and has grown since then to become an internationally known, eagerly anticipated event in the motorsports world. Competitors join us from other parts of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Bermuda. In 2008, we welcome our first competitors from the Turks & Caicos.
While many of our competitor cars are high end vehicles, equipped with the latest in-car technology suitable for lucrative competition, other vehicles are cars with a family history where an entire family may have built the car for this specific event. Manufacturers also use Targa Newfoundland as the ultimate testing ground for cars that are new (or yet to be released!) to the market. They see our difficult course and attention to detail as key factors in testing the capabilities of their chosen machine.
Just like we offer a diverse roster of cars, we also have a unique array of competitors. We have both men and women competitors, of all ages, and from a blend of professional backgrounds. They find common ground at Targa Newfoundland with their passion for motorsports, fine hospitality and the thrill of the unknown that comes with rally competition. Entering (and finishing) Targa is often a personal goal long in the making!
Our competitors travel over 2,200 kilometres each year with 20% of this being ‘Targa’ competitive stages of the event. Along the route, major host communities have Car Shows. The Car Show has become a critical component of the event as it allows local people to meet our competitors, learn about interesting and often rare cars and of course, provides a chance for our competitors to fine tune their machine for the next day.
Complementing all things motorsport, Newfoundland hospitality is an essential component of Targa. Our host communities provide lunches and snacks with local fare, local schools close and offer educational activities geared towards our event and local business often offer ‘Targa’ promotions.
At the end of the week, all competitors participate in an Awards Gala where both event finishers and fine performance is applauded.
Along the route we have chosen as our official charity The Autism Scoiety of Newfoundland and Labrador. Like many of our participating teams, many Autistic children have overcome obstacles in their daily lives. As an international event, we're always pleased to note that our competitors are often raising funds and awareness of their own, individual charity of choice. Whether it is Multiple Sclerosis or a children's charity, our competitors share our desire to enhance the lives of others at home and abroad.
