Driver: Dale Levandier Co-driver: Frances Markel Vehicle: Not the ’05 Lotus Elise County: USA
Targa Newfoundland has been a longtime dream for Dale Levandier and Frances Markel and this year it becomes reality for them. It’s a long drive from Massachusetts to Newfoundland but a love of racing and travel combined to attract them to make the trek this fall for the Targa Bambina event.
The couple, who call themselves Team Rumble Strip, shared an interest in motor racing from their earliest years together attending IMSA and NASCAR events at Watkins Glen, not far where they met in Rochester, New York. Later they ventured to Montreal for F1 races.
One of their favourite spectator events was the SCCA sports car races, which were F1 support races in the late ’90s.
“This looked like something we could do,” says Dale. “Some years later, while pondering a visit to Newfoundland, we discovered Targa Newfoundland and have wanted to participate, even once, ever since. We have finally managed to arrange a trip to Newfoundland, and by chance it overlaps with Targa Newfoundland!”
They settled in the Boston area in 1994, where they raised two daughters and pursued their careers. Frances, originally from Ohio, became a successful real estate agent after leaving a career in the semi-conductor industry, while Dale, originally from Nova Scotia, worked as a science researcher.
Dale and Frances are proud owners of a 2005 Lotus Elise, which would be perfect on Newfoundland’s challenging coastal roads, but sadly, it won’t be making the trip to Targa with them.
Team Rumble Strip will be doing a road trip through New England, the Maritimes and on to Newfoundland and Labrador this September on their way to Targa but, alas, the Lotus doesn’t have room for luggage. Instead, they will carve the twisty roads in their faithful Mazda 6.
Show winning performance car builders and restorers, Kurt and Lu Penner, believe classic cars are meant for driving not just riding in trailers. The owners of Jellybean Autocrafters in Langley, British Columbia will put that philosophy to the test when they drive their prized 1965 Beaumont Sort Deluxe Convertible from one coast to the other to run in Targa Newfoundland this September.
The Beaumont is a Canadian built car, one of approximately 400 cars built as SD convertibles. While it appears mostly stock, they did a number of upgrades like disc brakes, quicker ratio steering and suspension mods to improve drivability and handling.
This nearly 60-year-old classic is no trailer queen as it has already logged 290,000 km (180,000 miles) since they bought the car in 1994 and completed a cosmetic restoration. The Penners have enjoyed taking the car on tours.
“Our goal for being in the Targa is to experience the cross Canada trip in a classic convertible, participate in a really cool event, and beat on the car a bit, and then drive back home via the USA,” says Kurt. “This is one of our primary vehicles we use to demonstrate how reliable a classic car can be.”
Fan favourite superstar racing driver Randy Pobst will head back to the challenging roads of Targa Newfoundland this fall to defend his win last year. Targa Newfoundland, the only tarmac car rally in North America, hits the roads of Newfoundland (a.k.a., the Rock) September 12-19, 2024.
Pobst, John Hume Sr., and Craig MacMullen claimed the Targa 1 division title in 2023 in a 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP. Targa 1 is a competitive division for cars without roll cages. Pobst has raced at every major track in North America, but Targa is something special to him.
“I’ve always been fascinated with racing on public roads. When I heard about Targa Newfoundland and that they do that for a week I knew I had to do that,” said Pobst. “We go tearing through fishing villages at speed! It’s a unique thrill and experience you can’t find anywhere else. The size of this event is epic and it’s in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome back Randy Pobst, John Hume Sr. and Team Hume to Targa,” said Joe Dowden, president of Targa Newfoundland. “For anyone who watched Randy in action at full throttle in closed sections like the town of Brigus it was simply awe inspiring.”
Pobst has won dozens of races in multiple categories over his illustrious and lengthy racing career. “Randy the Rocket” earned factory driving contracts with Porsche, Audi, Mazda, and Volvo. He is a two-time winner of the grueling Rolex 24 at Daytona, winner of over 90 pro road races and a member of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Hall of Fame.
His impressive racing resume also includes four World Challenge GT Championships, two IMSA driver’s championships and two North American Touring Car championships and he finished first or second all six times he raced at the SCCA National Runoffs. He also set the modified electric production record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid. He’s fast in anything with wheels.
Pobst throws down the gauntlet – or racing glove – to other drivers to challenge him and Team Hume. “Get a car, come out to Targa, and have an amazing adventure you’re not going to find anywhere else.”
Targa Newfoundland, the only tarmac car rally in North America, will return to the streets of Gander this September for the 2024 edition of this exciting world-famous event.
“We are delighted to welcome Targa back to Gander!” said Mayor Percy Farwell. “With the meticulous efforts and commitment of the organizers to ensure a safe and exciting event, residents and visitors can look forward to an opportunity to view a world class rally event and to get up close and personal with the cars and drivers at the related car shows. We look forward to this unique and exciting event.”
Targa 2024 will run during the edge of the tourist season from September 12 to 19, 2024, beginning with a two-day drivers’ school in St. John’s before heading out to explore other areas of the province. The Gander stage will take place late afternoon, Sunday, September 15th.
“Gander was always a high point for participants in past Targa events,” said Targa President Joe Dowden. “We are delighted that council and residents are welcoming us back this fall. Our goal is to provide a safe and entertaining event for both competitors and spectators alike.”
Since 2002, Targa Newfoundland has run 23 successful events composed of some 950 stages across the island of Newfoundland on scenic seaside roadways and through quaint towns and villages. This six-day event is motorsport’s ultimate road rally, attracting teams from all over the world to experience and enjoy the people, culture, and hospitality of one of North America’s most beautiful destinations.
Targa is divided into four divisions for gas, electric and hybrid vehicles, including three competitive classes and one non-competitive touring division. Teams of drivers and co-drivers/navigators challenge themselves and each other racing the clock to achieve the best time and fewest penalties. The competitive sections of the stages are held on roads closed to the public.
Teams will race on a closed course through a portion of Gander and stay two nights in the town, benefiting local hotels, restaurants and other businesses as well as shining a spotlight on Gander through media and social media attention. Spectators will be able to view the cars in action and at nightly car shows where they can mingle with the drivers and co-drivers.
“The wonderful people of Gander have always given us a warm welcome and endeared themselves to the competitors,” said Targa founder Robert Giannou. “We’re excited to be back, and hope residents will come out in force to watch the rally, meet the racers and volunteer for the event so we have another successful rally.”
About Gander
The Town of Gander is a modern and progressive community in central Newfoundland with a population of approximately 12,000 people. The town is home to Gander International Airport and 9 Wing Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gander, which includes 103 Search and Rescue Squadron. Gander’s airport hosted 38 planes, carrying about 6,600 passengers, after they were forced to land in Canadian airspace after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The town’s generosity, warmth, and kindness were highlighted in the hit Broadway play “Come From Away.” Visit Town of Gander (gandercanada.com).
Welcome back to Targa Newfoundland! After a four-year break, we’re thrilled to share some exciting news about our recent 2023 event and future plans.
In 2023, Targa Newfoundland made a triumphant return, and while the entry was smaller than in previous years, it added a special touch of fun for everyone involved. Overcoming initial challenges, we successfully concluded the event on a highly positive note.
One noteworthy improvement was the introduction of the Bambina classing system, borrowed from our friends at Targa New Zealand. This system simplified and streamlined our run groups, making the event more accessible and enjoyable for participants. Basic preparation rules remain intact, but the removal of previous performance levels allows competitors the freedom to unleash their creativity and bring one-of-a-kind vehicles to the Targa stage.
Building on the success of this change, we’ve decided to formalize the new class structure for all upcoming Targa events until 2027. This ensures a consistent and exciting experience for participants and fans alike. The updated classes promise a dynamic and inclusive environment, providing competitors the flexibility to develop their vehicles according to their unique visions.
We encourage everyone to check out Volume One for a comprehensive understanding of what Targa events are all about and how Targa Newfoundland runs. Get ready for more thrills, innovation, and camaraderie as we rev up for an exciting future of Targa events!
The new class structure is outlined as follows:
The Targa entries will be placed in Divisions Targa 1 (no cage vehicles) and Targa 2 (caged vehicles).
The Targa 1 and Targa 2 vehicles will be divided into:
Groups (two wheel drive and more than two wheel drive)
Classes (large and small displacement(> 2000 cc’s and < 2000 cc’s)
Sub Classes (Classic < 2000 and Modern 2000 and later)
The applicable rules as set out in the attached Volume 2 will read as follows:
6.2.3 Targa 1 and 2 Divisions
All vehicles in Targa 1 and 2 Division vehicles will be sub-divided into Groups by number of driven wheels, Classes by registration year (Modern or Classic) and by engine displacement (Large or Small). The Organizer reserves the right to change the classification on a misclassified vehicle.
6.2.4 Targa 1 and 2 Groups (TWD or AWD)
The number of driven wheels shall be the determining factor as to which Group a vehicle is classed in
The two-wheel drive Group (TWD) shall be composed of vehicles that have no more than two-driven wheels
The all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles shall be composed of vehicles that have more than two driven wheels
6.2.5 Targa 1 and 2 Displacement Classes (Large or Small)
Each Classic or Modern Division Vehicle is assigned to either a large or small displacement group based on the adjusted displacement of its engine using the following multipliers applied to the actual displacement of the engine (All appropriate multipliers shall be applied):
6.2.6 Targa 1 and 2 Year Sub-Classes (Modern or Classic)
The year of production shall be as shown fist by the vehicle VIN, second by the registration documents and thirdly should the former not be available by the organizers based on the year of manufacture.
Hybrid 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 will be classes as modern.
Electric Vehicles with one or more electric motors capable, individually or together, of powering the vehicle through two or more drive wheels will be classes as modern.
This system applies equally to the Duemila (8 days) and Bambina (four days) and to the Targa 1 (no roll cages slower speeds) and Targa 2 (roll cages and greater speeds).
The Fast tour and Grand Touring Divisionals will remain the same.
Fresh from thrilling spectators from St. John’s to St. Bride’s to Leading Tickles and everywhere between, the first event since a four-year hiatus, Targa Newfoundland organizers, fans, and competitors eagerly await the 2024 edition.
Competitors returned to the capital city of St. John’s on Thursday, September 21 after covering close to 2,000 km of the island’s roads in the preceding 6 days. The Targa 1 Division, consisting of vehicles which have not been fully race-prepared, was conquered by long-time Targa competitors and previous winners John Hume Sr. and Craig MacMullen of Ontario and Nova Scotia, respectively, in their Team Hume Media Inc. 2013 Mini GP. Their success was further fueled by the addition of world-renowned rally driver, YouTube personality, and Motor Trend contributor, Randy Pobst of Ohio.
The Targa 2 Division, composed of competition-prepared, rollover-protected vehicles, saw Savage Rallysport’s entry, driven by Dave Wallingford of Ohio and Leanne Junnila of Alberta, take top honours in their bone-rattling, fully prepped 2017 Ford Fiesta. Rounding out the winners of the competitive divisions, Satish Gopalkrishnan and Savera D’Souza, both of New Jersey, took home first place in the Grand Touring (GT) Division, in their 2023 Mercedes Benz GLA 45 AMG. The GT Division is a time-speed-distance (TSD) event where precision takes precedence over speed.
“Our primary goal this year was to deliver a safe and entertaining event for competitors and spectators alike,” said Targa President Joe Dowden. “I’m happy to say we’ve successfully delivered on all fronts. The drivers and their navigators have returned home, but we’ve already received commitments to the 2024 event.” As in previous years, Targa 2024 will run during the edge of the tourist season in mid-September. The 22nd running is scheduled from September 12 to 19, 2024, beginning with a two-day drivers’ school before heading out to explore other areas of the province.
“Our welcome in the towns and villages of the province is reminiscent of Targa’s heyday,” continued Dowden. “In every community we visited, no matter the size, spectators showed up in droves to volunteer, view the action, and to mix and mingle with competitors during the daily lunch stops and nightly car shows.”
While entries for the 2023 running of Targa were less than the regular numbers seen in events prior to 2019, organizers are viewing the event as a total success. “While less competitors could be viewed as a negative, the other organizers and I are reminded why Targa is viewed in such high regard in Canada and worldwide,” stated Targa founder and Chairman, Robert Giannou.
“The camaraderie and sense of family which was developed among this year’s competitor group is second to none and shows why Targa was first started and continues to this day. More importantly, we proved to ourselves and the competitors that Targa is back!”
Fresh off setting the modified electric production record in a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Targa is excited to welcome Randy Pobst.
Randy is a career pro road racer with 80+ pro wins. He earned factory driving contracts with Porsche, Audi, Mazda, and Volvo, winning twice at The Rolex 24 at Daytona, four World Challenge GT Championships, finished first or second all six times he raced at the SCCA National Runoffs, won two IMSA driver’s championships and two North American Touring Car championships.
“We’re proud to have someone of Randy’s pedigree competing in this year’s event,” said Targa President Joe Dowden. “Even more than that, we’re excited to show what the province and its people have to offer.”
Randy was Motor Trend’s track tester for twelve years, also writing road tests and doing many YouTube video reviews. He now appears regularly on the Hagerty YouTube channel with videos totalling over a hundred million views. Randy is a popular and internationally known personality, a highly respected driving and racing coach, and a sought-after chassis-dynamics expert, hired by many automotive manufacturers. Randy Pobst said, “I have watched Targa Newfoundland from afar for years, always dreaming of a chance to drive at speed on these real roads in such a beautiful place. Thanks to experienced winner John Hume and his team, this dream is about to come true!”
Targa Newfoundland, the legendary motorsports event that has become an integral part of Newfoundland’s vibrant culture, is gearing up for its 21st exhilarating edition, set to take place from September 14 to September 22, 2023. This year’s event promises to not only push the limits of automotive enthusiasts but also celebrate the essence of the remarkable Newfoundland outport communities.
Targa Newfoundland is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of communities coming together. For over two decades, Targa has woven the fabric of Newfoundland communities into its high-octane tapestry, showcasing the rugged beauty of the island while fostering unity among its residents.
The heart and soul of Targa Newfoundland are the remarkable Newfoundland outports, those enchanting and resilient locales that have witnessed generations of history and migration. These outports, which have played a vital role in shaping North America, have embraced Targa with open arms, welcoming both competitors and spectators to experience their warmth and hospitality.
“Our journey through Newfoundland’s picturesque landscapes wouldn’t be complete without the genuine warmth and support of the local communities,” says Joe Dowden, President of Targa Newfoundland. “This year, we dedicate our event to these hardy Newfoundlanders, whose spirit and dedication breathe life into Targa Newfoundland and make it an unparalleled experience.”
As the sun rises over the horizon of St. John’s on September 16, the roaring engines of Targa Newfoundland will once again awaken the island’s hidden corners. This annual spectacle will traverse over 1,800 kilometers of winding roads, including more than 500 kilometers of closed-road Targa stages where drivers can truly unleash their machines. The rallying cries of motorsports fans will mingle harmoniously with the cheers of local residents, creating an electric atmosphere that only Targa Newfoundland can deliver.
Join us in celebrating the heart and soul of Newfoundland, the communities that make Targa Newfoundland a legendary event. Let the engines roar and the spirit of competition thrive as Targa embarks on another unforgettable journey across this rugged island.
Targa NL road rally is pleased to announce a television development agreement with Sphere Media, one of Canada’s largest independent and most respected production companies. Sphere’s documentary credits include 9/11: Cleared for Chaos (Discovery Canada, National Geographic International) and 100 Days to Victory (History Canada, BBC, Foxtel).
“Sphere is the perfect partner to translate the excitement of Targa to a documentary series,” said Robert Giannou of Targa. “Targa promises the kind of gripping content that broadcasters and streamers are hungry for right now,” said Kim Bondi, Sphere Media’s SVP of Development and Content.
Bondi, who was an Executive Producer of the popular Newfoundland docuseries Rock Solid Builds (HGTV Canada), added that the series “Will highlight the rugged beauty and charm of Newfoundland as explored through the eyes of a diverse group of competitors taking part in North America’s largest open road rally race.” Veteran Canadian TV and film producer Peter Hume will round out the creative team.
The agreement launches the trio on a path to develop and market a ten-part docuseries about the people, passion, and pulse of Targa Newfoundland – a race like no other. The series will focus on competing teams, as well as the host communities and volunteers who make this sprawling annual event possible.
Creative work will start immediately with an aim to begin filming in 2023, and conclude the first season of the series with the 2024 event.
Sphere Media is a production and distribution company with world-class talent creating premium content for the fast- growing global market in both scripted and unscripted spaces. Among Sphere’s international scripted series are Transplant (NBC), The Porter (BET) and Peabody Award-winning Sort Of (HBO Max). Sphere’s track record in the unscripted space include documentaries 9/11: Control the Skies (Nat Geo), 100 Days to Victory (BBC), and One Of Ours (CBC), along with many documentary series like Could You Survive? (Weather Channel), Kal Penn Approves This Message (Freeform) and Untold Stories of the ER (TLC). In 2023 Sphere Media’s various productions garnered 22 Canadian Screen Awards – a strong indication of Sphere’s commitment to excellence.
As part of its first event since 2019, Targa Newfoundland is excited to invite the owners of electric vehicles to participate in an all-new touring class.
This new class is a non-competitive tour within Targa that focuses entirely on electric vehicles. “The EV tour is designed to allow the owners of electric vehicles to push them to their limits,” said Targa Newfoundland President, Joe Dowden. “They’ll get the full experience of Targa, without the stress of competition.”
As the network of EV charging stations across Newfoundland and Labrador continues to grow, Targa Newfoundland organizers saw an opportunity to open the event to the ever-growing number of electric vehicles on the province’s roads. Charging stations are available in all communities with overnight stops, as well as some towns throughout the route.
“A lack of charging capabilities has made it difficult for us to accommodate electric vehicles outside of the St. John’s metro region in previous years,” added Dowden. “Improvements in technology, as well an increase in charging stations, has opened up a lot of possibilities.” Use apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint for a list of charging stations located on the Targa Newfoundland route.
