Trucks are a rare sight in Targa Newfoundland other than as support vehicles with one distinct exception – a 1971 GMC C1500 street rod pickup truck that raced in 2014 and surprised everyone except the owner.

On Day 5 of Targa, teams will race through communities along Notre Dame Bay in Central Newfoundland. They’ll start the day in the former logging community of Glenwood on the Gander River, then proceed to stages in Bobby’s Cove, Pleasantview, Point Leamington, Leading Tickles and Glover’s Harbour before ending the day in Appleton. 

Winning any competitive division of the legendary Targa Newfoundland rally requires a combination of preparation, endurance, teamwork, concentration, and luck. Jim Kenzie, who has won Targa three times, shares his wisdom.  

The year was 2009 and Targa attracted 60 teams and cars, including some heavy hitters, even Godzilla.

The second leg of the rally concludes in the twisty streets of the Town of Gander in Central Newfoundland. This is one of the favourite parts of the rally for competitors as they navigate the residential streets with hundreds of cheering spectators lining the course.

Whether you are a Targa veteran or new to the rally, the key to having a successful event lies in the preparation before you turn a wheel. Who better to give advice on that than automotive journalist, Targa co-founder and multiple winner Jim Kenzie.