Driver: Mark A. Williams

Co-driver: Donna Williams

Car: 2006 Bentley Continental GT: where ultra-luxury meets super-car performance

Division: Targa Tour

Country: United States

Targa Newfoundland’s steward wrote the book on rally co-driving

After competing in several historic stage rallies across Europe, the UK, and Scandinavia, Mark Williams was drawn to the inaugural Targa Newfoundland in 2002—one of the few North American events with a historic class that welcomed his 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint. Despite an embarrassing rollover during a pre-event demonstration run around Confederation Hill in St. John’s, he went on to finish second overall.

“I fell in love with the unparalleled hospitality and warmth of Newfoundlanders,” he says, “and the stunning scenery sealed it—I knew I had to come back.”

And return he has. Over the past 22 years, Mark has been an integral part of the Targa Newfoundland organizing team, serving in roles including Advisor, Competition Director, Route Book author, Scoring official, Course Car driver, and most recently, Steward. His rallying expertise is grounded in more than four decades of stage rally competition across six countries and three manufacturer teams—Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai. Much of the wisdom gained from that experience is shared in his book, A Guide to Rally Co-driving in North America.

Mark remains deeply involved in the organizational side of rallying, serving as an international Steward for the FIA, American Rally Association, NASA RallySport, and the Comisión Nacional de Rallies México.

Donna has been alongside him for 47 years of rally adventures—keeping him on the right route in more ways than one.

This year, Mark and Donna will drive 6,100 kilometers round-trip from their home in Maryland to Newfoundland to once again enjoy the breathtaking roads, the unmatched hospitality of its people, and the camaraderie of their fellow Targa entrants.

They’ll make the journey—and tackle the rally—in their 2006 Bentley Continental GT, a car that blends high-performance capability with long-distance comfort and unmistakable style. With its twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine, refined all-wheel-drive handling, and a cabin as luxurious as it is functional, the Bentley is perfectly suited to the unique demands—and pleasures—of Targa Newfoundland.

Visit Mark’s website at rallycodriver.com.