Zahir Rana and his Ferrari Enzo were a huge hit with Targa fans in 2011. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
One of the most famous, or perhaps infamous, chapters in Targa’s 23-year history was the Ferrari that went for a swim.
In 2011, ZR Auto owner Zahir Rana of Calgary, Alberta brought his rare and expensive Ferrari Enzo XX Evolution to Targa. The exotic beast was a crowd favourite on the streets and roads of Newfoundland. Unfortunately, gobs of Italian horsepower and gravel on the road in Marystown were its undoing as Zahir lost control, sending his supercar spinning into the Atlantic Ocean.
“I shifted into second gear and was full throttle when I took a bad spin on a lot of rocks,” said Zahir. “There was no way I could control it.”
The crash and even Zahir’s vintage racing suit attracted a lot of media.
The story attracted international media attention and has become the stuff of legend ever since. But in case you were wondering, that wasn’t the end of the Enzo.
“At the time it was like my car life had come to an end,” said Zahir. But not long after the car was lifted from the water he was already thinking of how to repair the Ferrari and make it even better. “When Roland (Linder, co-driver) said it doesn’t look that bad it brought magic to my ears and I thought I can fix it and make a nicer car.”
Three years later the car was rebuilt into the one-of-a-kind ZXX and it still rolls the streets of Calgary. Watch how the rebuild unfolded below and see it in action here.
Now we just need to convince him to come back to Targa!
The Enzo in action. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)Zahir Rana and his Enzo racing through the streets. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)Racing along the coast in 2011.Photo: Ralph SaulnierThe Enzo attracted attention from fans everywhere it went. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
Do you have an exotic sports car, street rod, or classic car and an itch to take on Targa Newfoundland? Click the red button below and let the fun begin.
Check the Rules and Regs page for more details on what is required for each division. If you have more questions, visit our FAQ and Event Info pages or contact us at info@targanfld.com.
Two-time GT winners, Marinus and Renee Damm from Oregon, are bringing this Porsche to Targa this year. (Photo: Renee Damm)
Two-time GT champs looking forward to a great Targa on The Rock
Two-time Grand Touring (GT) champions Marinus and Renee Damm from Oregon are coming back to Newfoundland for another run at the podium.
The husband and wife team have an impressive resume with wins and podium finishes too numerous to mention here at rallies all over the north-western United States and western Canada.
They won the Grand Touring division at Targa in 2015 in a 2012 BMW 328 XiT Wagon and then took the title again the following year in a 2001 Porsche Carrera 4. This year, they are bringing a stunning, Racing Yellow 2024 Porsche Cayman 718 GTS to Targa.
Targa veterans Renee and Marinus Damm are returning for Targa Newfoundland 2025. (Photo: Dammralliers)
Marinus began rallying in late 2005 after seeing an advertisement in the newspaper for a local car club. Most of his early motorheading was with motorcycles and beater-class American muscle cars. The handling of an e30 steered him away from ‘Vettes, and many miles on snow and ice made him an AWD believer. His proudest moments include crewing for a land speed racing record and his Targa runs. Outside of rallying he enjoys working on cars, motorcycling and making his wife smile.
Renee caught the rally bug in 1974 when she saw an episode of “McMillan and Wife”, but did not start rallying regularly until 2005. Nicknamed “Princess PI”, she takes her place in the navigator’s seat. But, she has been known to drive their beloved 1990 BMW 325iX, affectionately known as Marilyn, on occasion. She’s recently retired from a long career of building software. While not competing, she organizes many rally events. She’s currently the co-chair of the Oregon Trail Rally.
Two-time GT champions Marinus and Renee Damm from Oregon made a splash in 2015 and again in 2016 at Targa. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
What first attracted them to Targa Newfoundland on the opposite side of the continent? “We heard about it from many ralliers over the years, who have it on their bucket list,” said Renee. “It sounded like a big challenge and a whole wheelbarrow full of fun.”
What brings them back this year? Their goal this time is simple. “We plan to have fun and see Targa friends,” said Renee.
The Damms belong to several clubs including Cascade Sports Car Club, Oregon Rally Group and Rainier Auto Sports Car Club. The team is sponsored by Trackside Motorsports, Elsa Bean, and Squeelers Racing Team.
Aylmer Express at speed in the Conception Harbour stage. (Photo: Larry Strung)
Father and son team eager for more Targa
For years, John and Brett Hueston of Aylmer, Ontario followed Targa Newfoundland and talked about doing the rally together “one day”. That day finally happened as the father and son team entered Targa in 2024. Their first taste of Targa only left them wanting more so they’re coming back this fall for another run.
John and Brett with their Subaru BRZ prior to the 2024 Targa. (Photo: Blair Riddle)
“Targa was superb,” said John after the rally. “We had no idea what to expect really. We came in, I suppose, a little bit afraid of what was in front of us and it’s tough that it’s over now. It was so good. If you haven’t done this, you haven’t driven.”
Those emotions were echoed by Brett. “Targa was unbelievable. We expected it to be an unbelievable experience, but our expectations were exceeded by double. It was more beautiful than we knew it was going to be. The roads were more exciting than we knew they were going to be. I can’t say enough about the experience, the people, the volunteers, the competitors, everybody all the way through. Everything was indescribably positive. It was just something else.”
The BRZ was well suited to the winding ribbon of road on Random Island. (Photo: Larry Strung)
John and Brett have years of experience racing motorcycles, but until last year had never tried a car rally. John raced motocross in the 1970s and ’80s, including a factory ride with Yamaha. Both he and Brett raced mountain, road and track bikes as well.
The challenge was finding the right car. At 6-foot-1 (John) and 6-foot-4 (Brett), choosing a car largely came down to fit. “Thankfully, the Subaru, which seemed like a perfectly balanced car for Targa, came without a sunroof and a couple small ‘Gurney bubbles’ so we were snug with helmets on.”
John and Brett are the third and fourth generation in the family business, Aylmer Express Graphics Group, their commercial printing and publishing company in Aylmer, Ontario which traces its history back to 1880. Their Subaru will proudly bear the company logo as they blast through the Newfoundland landscape this September.
At the awards gala following Targa 2024 last fall, John summed up how he felt about Targa. “I spent six months leading up to Targa dreading it but once it began I spent six days dreading it would end. This is an incredible event.”
Brett and John were all smiles at the finish line in 2024. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)John entertains future rally competitors in Brigus. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
The Faster Pastor, Edison Wiltshire, and co-driver Olivia Wiltshire-Ryan corner hard in the 2024 Targa. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
Faster Pastor remains a fixture at Targa
A fixture at Targa since the rally began in 2002, Rev. Edison Wiltshire returns this year with his grand-daughter and co-driver Olivia Wiltshire-Ryan maintaining a perfect record of participation. Hailing from Random Island near Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, Edison has captured the hearts of fans with his love for speed and his strong spiritual values.
“I’ve done every Targa since 2002 when Robert Giannou (Targa owner) asked me to be rally chaplain,” says Edison.
Edison, affectionately known as the “Faster Pastor,” has been a familiar face in the Targa Newfoundland racing scene for years, providing motorsports chaplaincy services to competitors and volunteers.
Edison and his grand-daughter Olivia have teamed up in Targa since 2023. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
“I’m called the Faster Pastor by Protestants, while our Catholic friends call me the Flying Father and the Anglican folks call me the Quicker Vicar,” says Edison with a smile. “I’ve provided countless numbers of encouraging chats with folks, especially when they ran out of talent and need a shoulder to cry on.”
Rev. Wiltshire once performed a wedding during Targa. Midway through the intense competition, Edison took a break to unite a couple in matrimony, with all the competitors joining in the celebration.
Edison and his supportive wife, Marg-o, participated in every single Targa Newfoundland together until 2023 when Olivia took over the co-driver seat.
“I started doing it to make Papa happy,” says Olivia, who is the youngest competitor at 18. “I enjoy meeting the people and seeing all the cars.”
“We’ve bonded in a special way through this,” says Edison. “Though we’ve always been close this has brought us even closer now.”
They’ve tackled the challenging roads of Newfoundland in a diverse fleet of vehicles, including an iconic Citroen Traction Avant, Citroen DS Sedan, Porsche 911, Subaru Outback and a Saab 93 Turbo. What ride will they bring this year?
Edison and Marg-o with past Targa rides – Citroens and Porsche.
The team were profiled on CBC: Here and Now in Newfoundland in 2024.
Randy Pobst and Paul Abbott racing through the streets of Gander. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
The legendary Targa Newfoundland tarmac rally returns this fall with the biggest field of cars competing in many years. Thirty teams are signed up and gearing up for an epic six-day rally from eastern to central Newfoundland and back again.
“This will be the biggest and best Targa Newfoundland since 2018,” says Targa owner Robert Giannou. “We’ve attracted rally enthusiasts from across North America and parts of Europe with a large number of returning competitors and exciting new teams. Targa Newfoundland is back!”
Florida brothers Rick and Sam Marshall are coming back for their third Targa. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
Targa Newfoundland, which first ran in 2002, is the only tarmac rally of its kind in North America. Held each fall on the ruggedly beautiful island of Newfoundland in eastern Canada, the rally covers 2000 kilometres of challenging, twisty roads and amazing scenery across the island including about 500 kilometres of thrilling stages on closed sections of public roads.
In just three months, the rally will start in downtown St. John’s at the Mary Brown’s Centre on Saturday, Sept. 11 and continue for six gruelling days ending in the narrow streets of historic Brigus on Thursday, September 18.
Team Jellybean in a classic ’65 Beaumont at speed through Brigus with the Faster Pastor in pursuit. (Photo: Matt Myler)
This year’s route will take teams to dozens of communities on the Southern Shore, Irish Loop, Cape Shore, Eastport Peninsula, Notre Dame Bay, Random Island and Conception Bay areas. The always popular town stages in Bay Bulls, Gander, Glenwood and Appleton are also back this year.
Now in its 23rd year, Targa Newfoundland will reach an incredible milestone – the 1000th stage – during this fall’s event.
“We’re preparing a truly special celebration of the 1000th stage at the new Salvaje Longhouse in the outport of Salvage on the Eastport Peninsula after the cars cross the finish line there,” says Giannou. More details to come.
The official Targa Challenger “Blackie” at the Salvaje Longhouse in Salvage, NL. (Photo: Robert Giannou)
Targa is divided into four categories:
Targa 2 is the highest speed division for cars with full roll cages.
Targa 1 is a competitive division for cars with roll bars.
Grand Touring is a time, speed and distance competition also known as a navigational rally.
Targa Tour is a non-competitive motorsport adventure.
Cars are subdivided as classic or modern (made before or after 2000) and whether they are two-wheel or all-wheel drive. The field this year will include a variety of classic, sports and muscle cars. Each team consists of a driver and co-driver or navigator. In the three competitive divisions, teams must meet set times for each stage to avoid penalties.
Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of only three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world. Since 2002, Targa Newfoundland, the ultimate tarmac rally in North America, has attracted hundreds of professional and amateur racers from around the globe to Newfoundland and Labrador. Visit the Targa website targanfld.com for more information.
Do you have a sports car, street rod, or classic car and an itch to take on Targa Newfoundland? Click the red button below and let the fun begin.
Check the Rules and Regs page for more details on what is required for each division. If you have more questions, visit our FAQ and Event Info pages or contact us at info@targanfld.com.
Mark Rittenhouse has earned a win and several podiums at Targa Newfoundland and looks to add another with co-driver Mark Laitenberger. (Photo: Mark Rittenhouse)
Past Targa champion hunts for another win
Seven years ago, the team of driver Mark Rittenhouse and navigator Corey Prosser took the plate for first overall at Targa 2018. This year, Mark is back in hopes of repeating that success. There is another Mark in the co-driver seat – Mark Laitenberger – and they’re racing under the name DBM Racing*. Combined, the two Marks bring 17 years of racing at Targa Newfoundland and several podium finishes.
Getting light crossing the single lane bridge in Brigus. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
They’ve raced the Chihuahua Express Rally together for five years, finishing first in class in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The team also won the Rally Historico Transpeninsular held in Baja Mexico in 2018.
Their rally car is a mighty 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X sponsored by FourStar Motorsports and Eagen Motorsports. Car mods include X-Shift sequential gearbox, Motec ECU, Proflex Suspension, and Owen Development Custom Turbo.
FourStar prepared the car for rallying while company principal and rally legend Dan Sprongl served as service crew at the 2018 Targa. Dan even won an award for great service crew for helping other competitors that year.
After a few years off, Mark and Mark look forward to coming back to “Race the Rock.”
Mark and Mark, we’re looking forward to seeing you again at Targa Newfoundland too.
Rittenhouse and Prosser were flying in 2018. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)Racing along the shore in 2018. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)Rittenhouse and Prosser celebrating their win in Targa 2018 on George Street, St. John’s. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)Mark Rittenhouse (aka “Rittenoff”) placed third in the 2015 Targa.
* Notice the cheeky decal on the hood of the 2015 rally car in the photo above? The nickname “M. Rittenoff” came from a rival team as a joke. That might be a hint to the dark humour behind the name of the team this year, DBM Racing, which is short form for “Death Bed Memories”. Rittenhouse says “that’s what car racing is.”
Don Bray got his first taste of Targa with his brother Frank in 2024 in this BMW M3. (Photo: Sam Heron)
Maritime motorsport enthusiasts bring a ‘croc’ to race the Rock
Two friends from Atlantic Canada with a shared love of motorsports are teaming up to race the Rock this fall.
This will be Don Bray’s second Targa Newfoundland as he and his brother Frank got a taste of the Targa Tour in 2024 in Don’s BMW M3. This time out, Don is bringing his 2008 Porsche Cayman S and a new co-driver, Jim Pentecost from Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia.
After experiencing Targa Bambina last fall, Don described the event as incredible. “The driving is amazing; the scenery and the sights were amazing; the people were amazing. Gander especially was one of the most fun drives I’ve had in my driving career, in my lifetime. It just seemed insane to drive through a community the way we have and everybody’s welcoming you. The spectators love it. People are outside enjoying themselves. It was incredible, just incredible.”
Don lives on Prince Edward Island and has been a car enthusiast his entire adult life. Starting in the 1980’s he and his brother were hooked on British sports cars including Triumph Spitfires, TR7s, and MGBs. A few American muscle cars followed and then onto BMW and Porsche as they (somewhat) matured.
Don pretends to be a “shade tree mechanic” in his spare time and has done a couple of High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) weekends, but other than Targa 2024 doesn’t have any (legal) racing experience. “I love driving, tinkering with cars, and experiencing the beauty that Atlantic Canada has to offer.”
Don said driving through Gander was “incredible.” (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
Co-driver Jim Pentecost is a construction specialties contractor currently contemplating retirement. He’s had a passion for powersports from a young age and is a past champion motorcycle racer at Atlantic Motorsports Park in Nova Scotia. He also has two years of indoor Kart racing experience. Jim is always up for an adventure and is looking forward to experiencing his first car rally in Newfoundland.
The Cayman S that they are bringing to Targa this year has been lightly modified for aggressive street use and light track duty. Modifications include Ohlins Road and Track coil overs, Tarett Engineering control arms, light weight Apex wheels, and a short shifter.
Don says the team name comes from combining the car and the event. “The car is a 2008 Cayman S and Porsche originally named the car after a species of crocodile. So ‘Rock the Croc’ comes from combining ‘the Rock’ (the nickname for Newfoundland) and ‘Croc’ for Cayman.”
Wounded Warriors Racing hopes to raise donations for Wounded Warriors Canada in support of veterans and first responders. (Photo: Sonny Chauhan)
Rallying support for wounded veterans
Making their debut in Targa Newfoundland is the team of Wounded Warriors Racing or WWR for short. Driver Sonny Chauhan from British Columbia, Canada and team manager Lauralee Mills are military veterans and co-driver Greg Fung, a long-time friend of Sonny’s, is an engineer living in Germany. They are racing in support of other veterans by raising funds for Wounded Warriors Canada.
“Racing in Targa Newfoundland is on our bucket list,” says Sonny. “Our goal is to finish safely.”
Sonny says Targa Newfoundland has been on his bucket list. (Photo: Sonny Chauhan)
Sonny has always had a huge interest in racing from a young age. He took part in the ERC Alberta Championship and won driver of the year. He has a lengthy military background with 25 years in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Supporting Wounded Warriors Canada was a natural choice. “All veterans need to be heard and understood,” he says. “Mental health issues are on the rise along with suicide. Supporting such a charity to help keep crucial programs going is of great importance.”
Greg Fung and Sonny Chauhan are childhood friends with a shared interest in cars.
Co-driver Greg has several reasons for competing in Targa this year.
“At the Targa, I look forward to expand my horizons, dive into my love for car culture, and reconnect with a great old friend,” says Greg. “Sonny and I go back to Grade 8, when we used to debate about Porsche vs. Ferrari, look at the car models, make the bus trek out to the go-karting track, and just hang out together. There were different times where we lost touch and we’ve developed very different lives since, but I’m very touched to be invited to support his dreams and a powerful charity.”
The striking Ford Fiesta is ready for rally action. (Photo: Sonny Chauhan)
For team manager Lauralee it’s all about helping other vets and watching Sonny and Greg finish the rally safely. She’s been involved with Wounded Warriors Canada since 2015.
“I am an Ambassador for Wounded Warriors Canada and very grateful for the support shown towards the charity,” she says. “This charity is a National Mental Health Service provider for veterans, ill and injured military along with first responders and their families.”
Lauralee Mills, team manager and Wounded Warriors Canada ambassador (Photo: Lauralee Mills)
Beyond experiencing the thrill of Targa Newfoundland for the first time, the team has set its sights on next entering Targa Tasmania. After that they plan to donate the Ford Fiesta ST rally car to female veterans.
About Wounded Warriors Canada
Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) is a national mental health service provider dedicated to serving and supporting Canada’s ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, first responders and their families.
WWC specializes in providing culturally informed services that utilize a combination of education, counselling, and training approaches to support resiliency and recovery from post-trauma injuries.
Car: 2006 Bentley Continental GT: where ultra-luxury meets super-car performance
Division: Targa Tour
Country: United States
The 2006 Bentley Continental GT in which Mark and Donna will take part in Targa 2025. (Photo: Mark Williams)
Targa Newfoundland’s steward wrote the book on rally co-driving
After competing in several historic stage rallies across Europe, the UK, and Scandinavia, Mark Williams was drawn to the inaugural Targa Newfoundland in 2002—one of the few North American events with a historic class that welcomed his 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint. Despite an embarrassing rollover during a pre-event demonstration run around Confederation Hill in St. John’s, he went on to finish second overall.
“I fell in love with the unparalleled hospitality and warmth of Newfoundlanders,” he says, “and the stunning scenery sealed it—I knew I had to come back.”
Mark’s 1964 Ford Falcon at the 2002 Targa Newfoundland. (Photo: Mark Williams)
And return he has. Over the past 22 years, Mark has been an integral part of the Targa Newfoundland organizing team, serving in roles including Advisor, Competition Director, Route Book author, Scoring official, Course Car driver, and most recently, Steward. His rallying expertise is grounded in more than four decades of stage rally competition across six countries and three manufacturer teams—Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai. Much of the wisdom gained from that experience is shared in his book, A Guide to Rally Co-driving in North America.
Mark remains deeply involved in the organizational side of rallying, serving as an international Steward for the FIA, American Rally Association, NASA RallySport, and the Comisión Nacional de Rallies México.
Mark’s 1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo in which he collected data from the Time Controls and provided scoring during the 2017 Targa Newfoundland.
Donna has been alongside him for 47 years of rally adventures—keeping him on the right route in more ways than one.
This year, Mark and Donna will drive 6,100 kilometers round-trip from their home in Maryland to Newfoundland to once again enjoy the breathtaking roads, the unmatched hospitality of its people, and the camaraderie of their fellow Targa entrants.
Donna and Mark Williams look forward to taking the Targa Tour together this fall. (Photo: Mark Williams)
They’ll make the journey—and tackle the rally—in their 2006 Bentley Continental GT, a car that blends high-performance capability with long-distance comfort and unmistakable style. With its twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine, refined all-wheel-drive handling, and a cabin as luxurious as it is functional, the Bentley is perfectly suited to the unique demands—and pleasures—of Targa Newfoundland.
Doug and Phyllis Bain are seeking adventure on their return trip to Newfoundland in this BMW M2. (Photo: Doug Bain)
Targa Tour marks return to Newfoundland for adventurous husband and wife team
Team Bain from Toronto brings both nostalgia and new adventure to the 2025 Targa Newfoundland. Doug and Phyllis first explored Newfoundland in 1977, traveling the island in Doug’s 1973 Datsun 510 — a classic rally car of its era. That unforgettable road trip planted the seed for a return, and nearly five decades later, they’re back, this time as participants in the Targa Tour Division behind the wheel of a 2020 BMW M2 Competition.
In this their first Targa Newfoundland, they are eager to embrace the rally experience — the challenging roads, the unmatched scenery, and the camaraderie, while being cheered on by a strong circle of supportive family and friends.
Doug, a recently retired railway engineer, has spent over 50 years involved in marathon running, cross-country skiing and performance cycling. He brings a competitive spirit, sharp focus, and endurance to this new adventure.
Phyllis, co-driver and teammate in every sense, supports Doug’s passion for sports and his spirited outlook on life. Staying fit is also a priority for her. While she has always enjoyed being active, her involvement in sports was more limited during the years they were raising their four children.
Team Bain look forward to their first Targa in their BMW M2 Competition. (Photo: Team Bain)
