It’s not a real Targa if it’s not a tarmac rally

Targa Newfoundland has been “racing the Rock” for over two decades. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)

Track days, autocrosses and drag strips are all fun. But they’re not Targa.

Feel like you’ve missed something?

Some other events call themselves “targa” but Targa Newfoundland is the only true targa tarmac rally in North America.

Inspired by the historic Targa Florio in Italy and modelled after the awesome Targa Tasmania in Australia, Targa Newfoundland provides thrilling rally action on closed sections of public streets and roads.

If you catch a slower car, passing is allowed. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)

There are three competitive divisions – Grand Touring, a time, speed, and distance competition; Targa 1 for cars equipped with roll bars; and Targa 2, the fastest division and the ultimate challenge for fully caged cars. We also offer the thrilling Targa Tour, a non-timed division for motoring enthusiasts who want to experience Targa without the competition.

Targa isn’t a race, it’s a rally. Cars are released one at a time with each team of driver and co-driver working together to complete the course in the set time. They are racing the clock as much as competing against the other teams. Following the route book, the co-driver directs the driver along hundreds of kilometres of unfamiliar roads.

The roller coaster road to Petley on Random Island. (Photo: Larry Strung)

Over six days on the roads of the ruggedly beautiful island of Newfoundland, you’ll encounter long straights, elevation changes, and hundreds of corners through towns, villages and rural areas along the way. And on the sections closed to public traffic, the road is all yours. Pedal to the metal.

It’s like a year’s worth of track days packed into one adrenaline-fuelled week in an unforgettably beautiful location on the Atlantic coast of Canada.

Targa Newfoundland, est. 2001:

  • 2000 competitors
  • 1000 teams
  • 1000 stages
  • 130 communities
  • 25 years

Experience the real Targa!

Targa Newfoundland returns Sept. 10-18, 2026.

www.targanfld.com

Targa 2026 Stages: https://targanfld.com/competition-stages/