Targa Newfoundland was and still is the first and only tarmac rally of its kind to be held in North America! As motorsports enthusiasts, we know that limits are made to be pushed and that cars were designed to be driven. It’s all about the drive!
As we enter our third decade, we offer a 2,000-kilometre course that brings you through scenery we know you will not find elsewhere! While the competition courses are fantastic, they are often outdone by the sheer spectacular beauty of the scenery which surrounds the competitive stages. From the pristine seaside and the wild looming rugged ocean cliffs to the century-old towns and villages to the uplands and into the mountains; the island of Newfoundland is spectacular! And all of this breathtaking view is encompassed by clean fresh ocean air scented with the tangy taste of the saltwater ocean that surrounds this wonderous and beautiful island.
Enjoy the scenic-paved roads that we have selected for your Targa Newfoundland adventure the way few have the privilege of experiencing… by entering and participating in Targa Newfoundland. Our competitor’s only complaint is that their speeds are so fast, and their focus so complete, that they have little time to enjoy the smell of the saltwater or the up-close and personal views as they drive along the shoreline edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
The competitive sections of the stages are held on roads closed to the general public. They comprise approximately 30% of the total course. The balance of the course takes participants from one stage to another in what we call transits.
Our volunteers are world-class. They come from our local communities as well as from all across North America. When it comes to this type of all-weather motorsports event, they are the best. In the 20 years since we created this event, we have built a first-class volunteer team of people who run a safe and timely event and who really want to help you do your best and enjoy your time with us.
With its specially created Course Familiarization Program (CFP) which is included in the registration fee, the Targa Newfoundland event has established a safety record that is second to none.
The Targa Newfoundland Event
Targa Newfoundland is made up of 4 distinct divisions:
Targa Tour (unscored/non-competitive)
The Targa Tour Division is not a competition. It is a tour within Targa that is designed to allow the owners of exotic cars to drive them the way they were built to be driven, within the limits prescribed by the event, but without the stress of competition.
Grand Touring Division (scored/competitive)
A Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) style competition for vehicles not prepared for racing. Convertible vehicles must be equipped with rollover protection
Targa 1 Division (scored/competitive)
- Classic Division > pre-1997 two-wheel (2WD) drive vehicles.
- Classic Division > pre 1997 all-wheel (4WD) drive vehicles
- Targa Modern Division > 1998 to present two-wheel (2WD) drive vehicles.
- Targa Modern Division > 1998 to present all-wheel (4WD) drive vehicles
Targa 2 Division (scored/competitive)
Competition-prepared rollover-protected vehicles:
Classic Division for pre-1997 vehicles
- Level 1 Preparation (Improved): Suspension, engine, and drive-train modifications are allowed;
- Level 2 Preparation (Modified): Suspension, engine, and drive-train modifications are allowed.
Targa Modern Division for 1998 to present vehicles
- Level 1 Preparation (Improved): Suspension, engine, and drive-train modifications are allowed;
- Level 2 Preparation (Modified): Suspension, engine, and drive-train modifications are allowed.
Hybrid Vehicles (vehicles with both internal combustion and one or more electric motors capable, individually or together, of powering the vehicle through two or more drive wheels) shall be limited to Level 1 preparation requirements on suspension only. Hybrid vehicles are not permitted engine modifications or in Level 2.
Targa Open Division
The Open Division has been created for vehicles that do not conform to the technical requirements for Level 1 or Level 2.
This division is intended for competitors who prefer maximum technical freedom for vehicle preparation
Targa Events
Each year, the Targa Newfoundland is subdivided into three distinct events.
- Targa Bambina a two-day competition
- Targa Rotoura a three-day competition
- Targa Duemila a six-day competition
