Targa Newfoundland, the ultimate tarmac rally in North America, has challenged racers since 2002 and achieved legendary status in the process. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Where is Targa Newfoundland held and how do I get there?
Targa Newfoundland is held each September in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador on the Atlantic coast of Canada. The rally is staged on the island of Newfoundland so the options for getting here are taking the ferry or flying. It’s a ‘big place covering over 900 km (about 560 mi) from the west coast to the east coast. We’ve posted information about Newfoundland and Labrador, our communities, places to stay, and how to get here on the Targa website.

What are the roads like?
Targa runs on public highways, roads and streets that the people of Newfoundland use every day. They aren’t racetrack smooth but are generally no worse than roads you drive on in any other part of North America, even those in many large cities. We take great care in selecting roads that will challenge you. The route book will identify any potential hazards. The key is to set up your car for a rally not a race. We recommend a stock suspension setup to tackle the diverse range of road conditions during Targa. Ensure you have quality shocks with full rebound and good tires. This is a tarmac rally complete with occasional potholes. Your suspension will need to cope with these challenges. Targa Tech Tips – Targa Newfoundland

Do I need a racing license to enter Targa?
Anyone with a valid driver’s license can enter Targa Newfoundland. You don’t need a racing license. If you are new to tarmac rallies, when you enter Targa Newfoundland for the first time, we’ll train you through the Course Familiarization Program (CFP) included in the entry fee. This provides you with a driving skills review, stage review, and practice session before the rally begins.

Do I need a high-performance race car?
No, you don’t need a race car to run in Targa. All you need is a street legal vehicle. A basically stock MINI GP won the Targa 1 division in 2023. A stock Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG took the Grand Touring title. Other cars that have raced in Targa include Subaru WRXs, VW GTIs, BMWs, Porsches, Ford Mustangs, Mazda Miatas, several MINIs and even a bone stock Kia Elantra. Some people will modify their cars while others will bring stock
vehicles. Targa has seen a wide variety of vehicles including sports cars, classics, exotics, muscle cars, hot rods, sedans and even a pickup. Targa 2, the fastest division, requires a full roll-cage and tends to attract competitors with more highly modified vehicles. Targa 2024 – Targa Newfoundland (targanfld.com)

Is Targa Newfoundland safe?
Targa has a safety record second to none. Safety is our top priority. There have been some crashes over Targa’s lengthy history, but we do everything possible to minimize risk. Whenever drivers push too hard or put a wheel wrong, there is the risk of crashing. Targa has worked hard to achieve an enviable safety record and has an extremely low incident record.

The specially created Course Familiarization Program (CFP) is included in the registration fee to prepare drivers and co-drivers. We choose the stages carefully and drive them multiple times in advance to identify any issues. We limit the speeds for each division and inspect each car to ensure they are safe. We tape off areas of closed stages to keep spectators at a safe distance and our officials drive the course ahead of the racing to ensure they do. We want everyone involved, including competitors, volunteers, marshals and spectators to have a safe and fun event.

What does it cost to race Targa Newfoundland?
The entry fee for the full eight-day Duemila event is $12,000 CAD per team and $4,000 CAD for the four-day Bambina event. Both include two days of training and practice.

Participating in Targa is not cheap but unique experiences of a lifetime like this rarely come without a cost. It’s in line with similar types of events around the globe. It is comparable to the cost of a season of racing crammed into one week for some people or the entry fee of one weekend of some racing series. Where else can you experience such challenging roads, spectacular scenery, camaraderie, friendly people and unique culture all in one event? It’s an adventure unlike any other.

What is included in the entry fee?

The entry fee includes the following:

• Route books
• Tickets to specified lunches and functions for driver and co-driver/navigator
• Event PLPD Insurance for closed-road stages (up to $5 million for any single incident)
• Medical coverage (secondary to the competitor’s own insurance)
• Competition decal kit

The entry covers the event operating costs: course design, set-up, travel and accommodations for the volunteers, equipment, competitor insurance, as well as supporting the approximately 20 host communities that participate in each event.

The competitor is responsible for travel to the event, hotel and evening meals for the team as well as transportation of the competing vehicle and the fuel it requires.

What makes Targa Newfoundland different than other rallies?
Targa Newfoundland is motorsport’s ultimate tarmac rally – one of only three
internationally recognized targa events in the world and the only one of its kind in North America. Targa covers about 2000 km (1240 miles) including about 500 km (310 miles) on closed stages and 4700 turns. Nowhere else will you get to race on public roads through spectacular scenery, towns and outports at speed; nowhere else will you enjoy the people, the culture and the hospitality of one of North America’s most beautiful destinations – Newfoundland and Labrador.

How are cars classified?
There are three competitive divisions – Targa 1 and 2, and Grand Touring – and one non- competitive division, Fast Tour. Targa 1 and 2 divisions are further grouped by two-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles made before or after the year 2000.

Targa Newfoundland divisions:

Fast Tour (FT), a non-timed, non-competitive motorsport adventure, top speed 130 kph

Grand Touring (GT), a time, distance and speed competition, top speed 140 kph

Targa 1, a competitive event for cars without roll cages, top speed 140 kph

Targa 2, a higher speed competition for cars with roll cages, top speed 190 kph

Targa 1 and 2 are broken down into the following groups:

Two-wheel drive (2WD) built before or after the year 2000 (Classic or Modern)

All-wheel drive (AWD) built before or after the year 2000 (Classic or Modern)

What are the speeds in each division?
This chart shows the average and top speeds for each division and the safety requirements.

What about Shipping?

There are many options for getting your car to Newfoundland. We recommend https://www.interlane.com/ if you are shipping a vehicle form the United States into St. Johns.

Targa Newfoundland offers a driving experience like no other. Don’t just take our word for it– join the privileged few who have already experienced the rush and make your mark on the road. It’s time to unleash your inner adventurer with Targa Newfoundland.

Start your own legend, enter Targa Newfoundland.