Twenty-two years ago in September 2002, the first Targa Newfoundland hit the roads of The Rock. It was modelled after Targa Tasmania in Australia which inspired Doug Mepham and Jim Kenzie after they raced there and had an amazing time. On their way home, they mused about where a rally like that could be staged […]
Author: targanfld
Update: Rule changes for Targa 2025 include roll bars for Targa 1
Targa Newfoundland has updated the rules for 2025 to enhance safety while keeping the event exciting and challenging for entrants of all levels of skill and experience. The most significant changes are in the Targa 1 division. Top speed has been increased to 155 kph in Targa 1 and cars entered in this competitive category must now […]
In Memoriam – Kenneth Simmons
Sadly, we lost another member of the extended Targa Newfoundland family this week. Ken Simmons was a respected journalist and long-time fan of motorsports and car culture. He competed in three Targa Newfoundland rallies as a co-driver, earned a certificate from the Bridgestone Racing School at Ontario’s Mosport track, and wrote a weekly column in […]
Volunteer recognized with Spirit of Targa award
Tom Clenche of Petley on Random Island, NL joins an exclusive group of volunteers who have been awarded the Spirit of Targa trophy in recognition of their work to support Targa Newfoundland. Only nine volunteers have received this award over the rally’s 22-year history. For the past two years, Tom, together with his son, Thomas, […]
Spaces filling up early for Targa 2025
We’re expecting a competitive field for Targa Newfoundland 2025 based on strong, early demand. No sooner had the checkered flag waved on the exciting 2024 edition of the legendary tarmac rally and competitors were clamouring for spots in Targa 2025. Fifteen teams have registered already with more lining up. That includes five teams so far […]
Meet the racing doctors of Targa Newfoundland
Targa Newfoundland 2024 was kind of boring for Ryan Burrill and Elizabeth (Liz) Sullivan but in a good way. The two doctors enjoyed their time at their first Targa, making sure everyone was safe, watching the cars flash by, and driving from stage to stage of the rally. But they were quite happy their medical […]
Team: Sideways Motorsports
Team: Sideways Motorsports Drivers: Brad Melendy (IROC); Michael Neary (Dodge Challenger) Co-drivers: Andy Proudfoot; Kate Melendy Vehicles: 1986 Chevrolet IROC Z28 race car; Dodge Challenger Country: Canada Sideways Motorsports lives up to name in dramatic fashion The family of Brad Melendy are local racing heroes in Gander and central Newfoundland. His team, Sideways Motorsports, were […]
Targa’s registrar has done it all
The new registrar of Targa Newfoundland is no stranger to the famous rally. It’s in his blood. Wayne Lorenzen has done it all when it comes to Targa. He has been a co-driver, crew member, marshal, volunteer, and spectator since Targa first raced through his hometown of Gander more than 20 years ago. “Targa went […]
Team: VeeDub
Driver: Blair RiddleCo-driver: Wayne LorenzenVehicle: 2015 VW GTICountry: Canada Targa vet teaches rally rookie Team VeeDub combines one experienced Targa veteran from Newfoundland and teams him up with a “come from away” rally rookie for six days in a quick and agile VW GTI. Sharing driving and co-driving duties throughout the week-long rally are Blair […]
Team: N*Synchro
Team: N*Synchro Driver: Corey Finkelstein Co-driver: Tom Pokorny Vehicle: 2018 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Country: Canada Team N*Synchro find their rally rhythm When things don’t go according to plan, you ask yourself “What would the boy bands of the ’90s do?” Actually, nobody does that but Corey Finkelstein and Tom Pokorny didn’t let car trouble with […]