GANDER, NL (September 11, 2012) The threat of tropical storm Leslie didn't stop the action at the 11th Annual Targa Newfoundland. Nine competitive stages took 41 competition crews through Central Newfoundland in what has become an annual tropical storm.

In the Modern Division, Comrie-Picard/O'Kane are leading with seven penalty seconds. In Classic, Giannou/Felice lead with nine penalty minutes after 2 legs and in the Open Division, Dyer/Crant have taken fifty penalty seconds and lead the pack. In Grand Touring, Hume Jr./Van Adrichem lead with zero penalty seconds with Riddell/De Lange hot on their heels with one penalty second.

The two Gander stages are a favourite among competitors. Gander is known for its course which has over 18 technical turns in a 3 km distance. This stage tests drivers and navigators to the max. It’s a great stage for the smaller and more nimble cars while some of the heavier, larger cars can find the tight and technical turns more difficult.

Although many service crews spent the night on their backs in the parking lot of the Gander Arena, only 5 competitors didn’t make the start line on Day 2 of the event. The service crew of Crewe/Cosner worked into the night to get their car on the road after mechanical problems yesterday and returned for the final two stages in Gander. DeQuetteville/Chaplinsky searched for a replacement engine for their Nissan 300 ZX but were unable to find one in time for this morning's start. This service component of Targa is key to the overall success. So much so that organizers present an award each year to the outstanding service crew. Crews support one another with parts and expertise and although competing, they all want as many entrants as possible to be on the road for the next day.

Multi-year competitor Afshin Montazeri hoped to rejoin in Grand Touring class this morning after damaging his car in Sunnyside on Day 1, but was unable to pull the details together in time for the Start Line in Appleton. Many competitors who cannot continue decide to keep following the event for the remainder of the week and are sure not to miss the Awards Dinner at the end of the week.

Day 3 of the event takes competitors along the Kittiwake with eight stages in total finishing the day with two stages and an overnight in Clarenville.

Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world. The 11th annual Targa Newfoundland returns to St. John’s on Friday, September 14th for the finish at The Keg on the Harborfront.

Contact:

Media: Chris Langdon 877-332-2413

Targa Newfoundland: www.targanewfoundland.com