Driver: Blair Riddle
Co-driver: Jim Crichton
Vehicle: 2015 VW GTI
Division: Targa Tour
Country: Canada
Peter Egan Fan Club to lead Targa Tour
One thing is certain at Targa Newfoundland 2026, the team of Blair Riddle and Jim Crichton will cross the finish line ahead of everyone else this September.
That’s not an idle boast but a given. It’s not because they’re in the fastest car or demonstrate the greatest driving skill and co-driving prowess. They’ll be leading the group in Targa Tour and the first car to leave the starting line of each stage. Plus the other cars are not supposed to pass them.
This fall will mark the third year in Targa for Blair in his 2015 VW GTI and first for co-driver Jim. They’re rallying under the moniker Peter Egan Fan Club as both are fans of the respected automotive and motorcycle journalist, mechanic, restorer, adventurer, musician and modern Renaissance man. Egan was a popular columnist and editor with Road & Track and Cycle World for many years. Perhaps a little bit of his passion inspired them to run Targa together.
Blair and Jim have known each other for 40 years starting when they worked together in the newsroom at CHNS radio in Halifax in the 1980s and early ’90s.
Originally from Nova Scotia, Blair learned his driving skills (such as they are) along the twisty coastal highway around Peggy’s Cove and along the South Shore as well as trying his hand at autocross. He also spent countless hours exploring the mountain roads of Alberta and British Columbia. A former news broadcaster turned public relations practitioner, he spent 30 years in Alberta before moving to Newfoundland and Labrador. He provides media and public relations duties as a volunteer for Targa when he’s not behind the wheel.
“Driving in Targa was my first taste of a rally and I was instantly hooked,” Blair said. “Driving hard for 40 kilometres along the rollercoaster highway to St. Bride’s, tearing through the streets of Gander with crowds waving, and finally blasting through the narrow streets of Brigus are amazing experiences like something out of a movie.”
Originally from Port Colborne, Ontario, Jim Crichton is an award-winning retired news broadcaster with a commanding voice and a lifelong passion for all things relating to cars, motorcycles and music (especially The Beatles). After 47 years in broadcasting, 21 of them as CTV evening news anchor in Windsor, Ontario, Jim retired in 2021. That gave him more time to indulge his motoring interests.
“I bought my first car, a 1966 Vauxhall Viva, when I was in Grade 10 and I rallied it a bit. I also owned two Minis, a 1974 Mini 1000 and a 1964 Cooper with sliding glass windows, oil cooler and Minilites. I’ve owned a 1970 Triumph motorcycle since 1980 and rode it extensively on the Lighthouse Route while living in Nova Scotia. Current vehicles include a 2002 PT Cruiser with a 5-speed stick; a 1966 Chrysler 300; and two AMC Pacers, a 1976 coupe and a 1979 wagon. Ones that got away? Triumph TR6, Dodge Charger and Aston Martin DB5.”
In addition to taking part in local car shows and cruises with his wife, Pat, Jim remains active in the community lending his talents to many local charities including promoting prostate cancer screening for men as one of three ambassadors for the “Show Us Your Brave” campaign, led by the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation.
When a routine check led to a prostate cancer diagnosis, Jim was faced with the difficult decision about proceeding with radiation treatment. But with the support of his wife, Pat, and family he decided to move forward with treatment. He encourages other men to get tested for prostate cancer and to seek treatment (read more here: Jim Crichton Story | Show Us Your Brave 2026). Prostate cancer also touched Blair’s family, claiming his father and uncle.
“It reminds you that life isn’t forever, but it also reinforces the importance of doing what you can to protect it.”
Now recovering from his own cancer scare, Jim looks forward to experiencing his first Targa Newfoundland.
“I’m delighted to be taking part in Targa with my good friend and fellow newsman, Blair Riddle,” he said. “I was Blair’s news director in Halifax and he was the first person I hired. Still the best! His driving skills greatly exceed my own. I’m a grandpa, retired four years and eager for the fellowship and a new adventure. I’m eager to see more of Newfoundland and Labrador to boot!”
Their steed is a trusty and quick 2015 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn with Performance Pack (larger brakes, adjustable suspension, and limited slip differential) and a Unitronics tune to give it a little more oomph. Plus, it comes with a music drive filled with The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and other classics to keep them motivated on the transits between stages.
https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/windsor-tv-news-anchor-jim-crichton-retires
Retired CTV Windsor anchor Jim Crichton honoured at Thursday night gala
Farewell Jim Crichton – Biz X magazine