With the goal of building on an already spectacular safety record, Targa Newfoundland has updated its rules and regulations to better reflect advances in technology, and to incorporate safety measures learned from similar events.

After a 3-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Targa organizers felt it was the perfect opportunity to make important changes. “Although our safety record is second to none, we recognize there’s always room for improvement,” explained Targa President, Joe Dowden. “To that end, we’ve implemented a number of measures, including GPS tracking, to increase the safety of competitors, volunteers, and, most importantly, spectators.” 

Using transmitters attached to competitor and volunteer vehicles, the event’s Command Centre will be able to monitor speed and location in real-time, enabling Targa organizers to act immediately if safety concerns are presented. In addition, new regulations with respect to in-car safety equipment and measures have also been implemented. 

“After an extended break,” said Dowden, “Targa will be back – better and safer than ever.” The updated rules and regulations can be found at targanfld.com. 

The 2023 event starts with our two-day Course Familiarization School on September 14-15 with Prologue Stages occurring on the morning of September 16. The actual competition starts in St. John’s on the afternoon of September 16 and concludes back in the capital on September 21 with the annual Awards Gala held on September 22. The rally will cover more than 1,800 kilometres of the challenging, twisty roads of the central and eastern portion of the island of Newfoundland, including over 500 kilometres of closed-road, flat-out Targa stages.