Driver: Sam Marshall Co-driver: Rick Marshall Vehicle: 2016 Subaru STI Division: Targa 1 Country: United States
The Marshall brothers were flying on the road to Cape St. Mary’s. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
Florida brothers make it a Targa three-peat
Targa Newfoundland has become an annual pilgrimage for Florida brothers Sam and Rick Marshall. This year will make their third Targa rally in a row. What brings them back year after year?
Rick and Sam Marshall on the wharf in Salvage. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
“The first year we were attracted to racing through beautiful towns and the scenic transits between them. Returning, we are most looking forward to spending time with the Targa family,” says Sam.
Rick echoes his brother’s sentiment. “Honestly, the people bring us back. I think if it weren’t for the people, yeah, you’d be running around in cars and racing would be fun. But the people just put it over the top. What other event is there where you go and meet all these different racers that you become friends with and you become friends with the organizers?”
The Marshalls have family ties to Newfoundland. Their grandfather was born in St. John’s and emigrated to Boston in the early 1900’s. The family still have connections in the Trinity Bay area. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that the brothers and other family members returned to Newfoundland to visit the ancestral homeland. That’s how they heard about Targa.
“It’s a unique event,” says Sam. “The weather’s unique. The people are unique each time you get everybody together. It was good to see folks who were here last year. That’s probably one of the main things that we were looking forward to, seeing the folks that put the event on and some of the ones we had driven with last year. That’s really pretty special for us.”
Back home in sunny Florida, they enjoy competing in autocross as members of Gulfcoast Autocrossers and running fast laps at legendary Sebring. They competed in Targa Newfoundland in the Targa 1 division in 2023 and 2024.
Their modified 2016 Subaru STI has proven to be a fast ride on the roads of The Rock. To make it speedy they added an IAG long block, FP Blue Turbo and front mount intercooler and to make it stop quickly it has EBC Red Stuff brake pads.
“We had as much of a blast as we had last year and we’ll be back again,” says Rick. “Where else can you put together racing through town in a car with your brother in a land that my ancestors were roaming around? You can’t beat that. It’s the best. “
The Marshalls in their mobile office. (Photo: Sam Heron)
Driver: Stephen Dawe Co-driver: Talia Bell Co-driver: Craig Lundrigan Vehicle: 2002 Nissan Sentra Spec V Division: Targa 1 Country: Canada
This Nissan Sentra is making a homecoming to Newfoundland after 23 years. (Photo: Stephen Dawe)
Coming full circle – a Targa team 23 years in the making
In early 2002, a shiny new silver Nissan Spec V drove off the O’Neill Nissan lot in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. Later that year, it left the island just before the very first running of Targa Newfoundland. Now, 23 years later, both car and driver—and a kick-ass co-driving team—have returned home to “The Rock” to live out a racing dream that has been building for more than two decades.
TADA Motorsports – It’s magic
“Our team name, TADA, (pronounced as a quick tada, or in a drawn out tah-daaah) is derived simply from the ‘Ta’ in lovely co-driver Talia’s name, and the ‘Da’ from my last name Dawe,” says Stephen.
“The drawn out version, typically accompanying a magician’s rabbit being pulled from a hat (see our team logo featuring a mad bunny peaking from a top hat-esque stack of tires) is just a fun thing we used to say on occasion, mostly when accomplishing something sarcastically simple. In extreme cases, when going for maximum cheesiness, even paired by a raised arms motion, like a gymnast sticking the landing,” he says.
“It’s no illusion that we have consistently heard Targa is nothing short of a magical experience—from the passion of the event to the teams, the support, the volunteers, and to every community that participates in this mystical place called Newfoundland—and so it’s easy to see that when it came to naming our race team, TADA Motorsports was clearly the only option,” adds Stephen.
Stephen Dawe – Driver
Whether behind the handlebars or the wheel, Stephen has never been far from a life-long passion for racing. From dirt ovals and drag strips, to track days and off-road, Stephen has always dabbled in full-throttle hobbies. In addition to being a member at Alberta’s Tilke-designed circuit, Rocky Mountain Motorsports, he has put down laps at tracks and motorsport parks across the country and beyond, and has held racing licenses on both two wheels and four. Originally from Newfoundland, Stephen has followed his creative advertising career across the country. Three years ago, he and his wife, Talia, bought a home back in St. John’s, and the race event on the must-do list for more than twenty years came to life — Targa Newfoundland, let’s go!
Talia Bell – Co-Driver With a self-diagnosed heavy right foot, Talia has had the need for speed her entire life! As Stephen’s life-long partner, a Targa team was in the cards from “I-do”. Talia’s first car was a 5.0 L mustang and she didn’t have any trouble finding out where the speedo stopped. As a C-suite executive she’s excited to redirect some of that unrealized need-for-speed into the Targa Newfoundland 8-day, on-road rally event—calling the turns and checking off the wins. Now, an honorary Newfoundlander herself, Talia has her heart firmly planted in the east coast, and her right foot planted to the mat.
Craig Lundrigan – Co-Driver From avid F1 motorsports fan to meticulous auto detailer, Craig’s car scene connection has been a constant. Craig and Stephen met during the forming of one of Newfoundland’s original tuner scene car clubs back in the early 2000s. One of those car show events particularly standing out via the attendance of another car-minded Craig (last name Lieberman)—well-known Skyline whisperer and technical director for the Fast and the Furious movie franchise. While he may wield financial planning by day, as a trained mechanic, (our) Craig brings the technical know-how along with the must-have checklists to help get us across the line with everything right where it needs to be.
The Vehicle – 2002 Nissan Sentra Spec V
After living the first year of its life in St John’s, Newfoundland, this once modest sub-200 hp Nissan Sentra has spent the last 20 years at circuits and shows across the country. In that time, it’s been bulking up and trying on some new looks here and there.
“This look seemed to stick—an homage to the early 70s @bre.datsun livery, the Sentra was as close as I could get to a Datsun 510 at the time. But in a world of vinyl wraps, this one is all paint, so I think I’m going to keep it,” says Stephen.
From outside to inside, while the core pieces are mostly there, there’s not a lot that your average four door sedan owner is likely to recognize. From fibreglass bucket seats and custom consoles to enough gauges to qualify for take off, there’s lots to take in. Under the hood, it’s all pretty much the same, except for that snail bolted in the front. The Nissan puts out 350 WHP.
Those wheels are forged RAYS that Stephen found at a dealership unloading them years ago when they stopped putting them on the Nismo Edition Spec V. For stopping power a set of Brembos came along with the wheels from an ’04.
A rented fully-caged Acura blasts through Bay Bulls. (Photo: Larry Strung)
You want to compete in Targa but you don’t have the right car. No worries. We’ve got you covered. Check out Arrive and Drive.
Through our Arrive and Drive service, we connect race car owners looking to rent their vehicles with competitors eager to take part in the rally. This service is completely free, designed to help competitors overcome logistical challenges and get behind the wheel at Targa Newfoundland.
If you want to run the rally and need a suitable car, all you have to do is get to St. John’s and pick up your rented rally car. Then strap in for the ride of your life!
If you own a rally-ready vehicle and are interested in renting it out, reach out and we’ll connect you with renters.
Please note, Targa Newfoundland provides the connection but does not get involved in the rental transaction or charge a fee for this service.
Arrive and Drive puts you behind the wheel of a rally-prepped car. (Photo: Sam Heron)
For Car Owners (Renters):
If you have a rally-ready vehicle and are interested in renting it out, please provide the following information:
Make of Vehicle
Year of Manufacture
Drivetrain (All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Two-Wheel Drive (TWD))
Safety Features (Caged, Rollover Bar, or Stock)
Location of Vehicle
Picture of the Vehicle
Contact Data (Name, Address, and Contact Information)
For Competitors Looking to Rent:
If you’re looking to rent a vehicle to participate in the rally, please provide the following information:
Your Name
Contact Information
Ready to get started? Submit your details below and let’s make your Targa Newfoundland dream a reality!
On the second leg of Targa, teams will motor to the scenic and historic Cape Shore. Teams will tackle a long, fast, closed stage from Point Verde to the fishing village of St. Bride’s on a road with a multitude of curves, straights and elevation changes as it follows along the cliffs and down into the river valleys. Then they’ll attack the narrow, winding road to the Cape St. Mary’s bird sanctuary before heading to Gander for the final stage of the day.
For those who arrived on the ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Argentia, they’ve already experienced some of the area. During the Second World War, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Atlantic Charter in Placentia Bay. The United States built McAndrew Air Force Base in Argentia and the base operated from 1941 to 1994 with thousands of American military personnel stationed there over the years. Today the area is involved in offshore oil exploration and renewable energy.
The town of Placentia, originally named Plaisance, was the French capital of Newfoundland in the 17th and 18th centuries when the French and English battled for military dominance in North America. At the Castle Hill National Historic Site are the remains of an old French fort with a fantastic view of the town and the ocean. Another attraction is the O’Reilly House Museum, a Balustrade Queen Anne Victorian Magistrate’s home that has been restored to its original grandeur.
Team Aylmer Express on the winding road from Point Verde to St. Bride’s. (Photo: Larry Strung)
The charming fishing outport of St. Bride’s is named after Saint Brigid Of Ireland, as original inhabitants of the community were Irish Catholic. Situated about 170 km southwest of St. John’s, this community has a population of approximately 300 people. In addition to fishing, St. Bride’s has a long tradition of sheep farming. Targa teams and volunteers have enjoyed traditional Newfoundland dishes at Da Bird’s Eye restaurant.
Just past St. Bride’s, an hour south from Placentia is Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, the most accessible and spectacular seabird colony in North America. Here, just 50 feet from the clifftop viewing point, nest thousands of northern gannets – beautiful birds with a wingspan of over six feet – crowded atop a 200-foot-high sea stack called Bird Rock. Razorbills, murres, and other seabirds also nest at the reserve. If you have a question, ask one of the interpretive guides, who also lead nature hikes, or drop into the interpretation centre.
Puffins are colourful summer residents of the Irish Loop. (Photo: Larry Strung)
The prologue and first leg of Targa take place on the Irish Loop just south of St. John’s. The Irish Loop is the heart of Irish culture and heritage in Newfoundland and Labrador harkening back to the first settlers from Ireland in the 1600s. The Irish Loop begins in Bay Bulls and takes you on a journey along the coastline of the weathered Southern Shore through countless small fishing settlements such as Tors Cove, Burnt Cove, Bauline East and more.
Some of the best spots for whale watching and bird spotting are at Bay Bulls and Witless Bay. The southern shore is teeming with more birds and whales than you could ever hope to count. Each spring and summer their migration takes them to nesting and feeding grounds just offshore. At the right time of year, you may also encounter icebergs as these natural wonders drift by on their journey south.
Photo: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
Bay Bulls and Witless Bay are home to tour operators ready to lead you out on the ocean to watch for whales gathering and feeding along the coast. This area boasts the 300 km East Coast Trail popular with hikers.
There are also a number of restaurants and accommodations to choose from in this area. Among the restaurants, both the Stone Ducky and The Jigger in Bay Bulls have hosted teams and volunteers from Targa with delicious food and beverages. The Stone Ducky also provides an excellent vantage point to watch the rally from its patio. Other notable eateries include the Irish Loop Coffee Shop in Witless Bay and the Captain’s Table in nearby Mobile.
The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is an amazing spot to visit. From May to August the four islands that make up the reserve teem with hundreds of thousands of birds, of many species. The largest Atlantic puffin colony in North America is here, with more than 250,000 nesting pairs.
Targa unites enthusiasts from many countries. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
Targa Newfoundland has always had an international flavour. Since the first rally in 2002, it has welcomed entrants from across Canada and the United States as well as the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, and the Caribbean, among others.
“Targa Newfoundland is a rare and special motorsport event that attracts very rare and special people who have, through their participation, become a family without borders,” says Robert Giannou, owner and co-founder.
Newfoundland is famous for its hospitality and one of the friendliest places you’ll ever find. It’s not unusual for competitors to get invited into the homes of people along the route and become fast friends with total strangers. That’s the Newfoundland way.
Rick Marshall from Florida has competed twice in Targa 1 with his brother Sam and they’re coming back again. The friendliness of the people is part of the draw. “The nicest people in the world you will ever meet are here in Newfoundland.”
Matthias Boemke from Germany navigated for his Canadian cousin Ralph Wiesbrock in Fast Tour. “It was brilliant. I’m totally amazed about the people here and the team which organized Targa. They are unbelievably friendly, helpful and active all day and the evenings.”
Giannou is not surprised by those comments. “This rally is more than competition, it’s about camaraderie, shared experiences and lasting friendships,” says Giannou. “No matter where you are from, you are always welcome here and will become an honourary Newfoundlander.”
You will have to kiss a cod and drink Screech to become an honourary Newfoundlander but that’s a story for another day.
Competitors from Canada and the U.S. celebrate in Brigus. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
Targa 1 winning Porsche 911 tackles the streets of Gander. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
Believe it or not but it does rain sometimes in Newfoundland. Fall here often brings hot, sunny days too. Choosing a tire that handles well in both dry and wet conditions will keep your car on the road and get you to the finish line.
Tires are your connection to the road and must not be overlooked. Choose tires with good drainage capabilities to shed water effectively. Avoid excessively wide tires as they tend to aquaplane. Select tires with a good wear rate and an aspect ratio of at least 40 for that necessary sidewall cushioning against road bumps and potholes (yes, we have some of those too).
Teams are allowed a maximum of six (6) competition tires: four (4) tires fitted to the vehicle and up to two (2) spare competition tires all with a minimum tread depth of 3/32 inch.
The winning Porsche 911 in Targa 1 last year ran a set of Yokohama A052 summer performance tires that kept the classic sportscar ahead of the pack. In Targa Tour, the VW GTI getting a bath in the photo below drove on Michelin Pilot Sport AS3 all season tires that also performed well. Whatever tires you choose, make sure you are ready for all weather and road conditions.
VW GTI takes a bath in Brigus. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
In the March edition of the Targa newsletter: GT is back, Meet Stream Racing and Driving La Carrera, Experience Targa Tour, Visit the Irish Loop, and more!
Driver/ Co-driver: Wayne Lorenzen Driver/ Co-driver: Aaron Ayotte Vehicle: 2002 MINI Cooper S Division: Targa 2 Country: Canada and United States
Wayne Lorenzen and Aaron Ayotte will share driving duties in this MINI with Targa pedigree. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
Double R Racing is a double threat in Targa 2
Two friends from different parts of North America met on a vacation and bonded over a common love of motorsport. Now, Canadian Wayne Lorenzen and American Aaron Ayotte will run Targa Newfoundland as teammates in Roger Roger Racing (or Double R Racing for short) sharing the driving and co-driving duties in a MINI that is a past rally winner.
Aaron Ayotte and Wayne Lorenzen of Double R Racing.
Wayne Lorenzen, who lives in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, started racing in 2010 with Targa and has since participated in 15 events including the full Targa Newfoundland and Targa Bambina. Roger Roger Racing is his first team where he will be driving and co-driving in a full rally in class Targa 2.
“I started racing Targa Newfoundland in 2010 with Targa veteran Brad Melendy in his Camaro IROC. Brad helped jumpstart my Targa adventure that continues today.”
Wayne with local racing royalty Brad Melendy.
He’s a retired aviation safety specialist and martial artist. In his spare time he volunteers in his community and hikes with his three dogs. He’s an avid motorcyclist, amateur musician and mediocre pool player.
He is also the registrar for Targa Newfoundland and enjoys recruiting teams for the most amazing and only tarmac rally in North America.
Driver, co-driver, and registrar, Wayne Lorenzen.
Aaron Ayotte is an American gearhead who met Wayne on a vacation back in 1996. Aaron shares Wayne’s love for Newfoundland and brought his family here once and will again for this year’s Targa Newfoundland.
Aaron’s time in the safety car sparked the desire to enter the rally as a competitor.
He got bitten by the Targa bug in 2016 as a crew member for MaxZen Racing. Following a mishap mid-race after which driver Gordon Maxwell couldn’t continue, Aaron stepped up as co-driver while Wayne drove his wife’s Jetta Wolfsburg.
Aaron and Wayne and the Jetta that was pressed into rally duty.
Fast forward to 2024 and Aaron was back as a Course Safety Vehicle driver ensuring each stage was ready before releasing the Targa cars. He had a ball. After the race he and Wayne decided it was time to empty the bucket and buy a car together and do this properly. Aaron and Wayne will be switching roles in the car with both doing driving time.
Aaron is hoping his two sons and wife Katie (also gearheads) come to volunteer themselves for Targa.
Aaron behind the wheel of the course safety car in Gander. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
Where did the team name come from? Wayne explains…
“Roger Roger Racing was a name that actually originated from Aaron’s son Dylan while on vacation here. We had two cars for traveling and had VHF radios to communicate. Because I spent my whole life in aviation saying ‘Roger Roger’ as the official acknowledgment that a message was received, I used it continually on the radios. Dylan was two and started saying ‘Roger Roger’ from the car seat in back. It stuck in the 20 years after. That’s the story behind the name.”
The Cape Shore is a thrilling rollercoaster ride. (Photo: Sam Heron)
The course is set* for the thrilling 2025 edition of Targa Newfoundland with 25 teams registered so far (see map below). Targa 2025 is scheduled from September 11-18.
Targa Newfoundland starts and ends in St. John’s, the oldest and easternmost city in North America, and covers about 2000 kilometres of winding, challenging roads across the breathtaking island of Newfoundland (see map below). You’ll hug the rugged coastline and speed through the streets of charming towns and outports that will welcome you with open arms.
Along the way, you’ll carve through the streets of Bay Bulls as spectators cheer you on; experience a rollercoaster ride on the road along the scenic Cape Shore; race through the streets of Gander, which took in thousands of international passengers diverted to the airport there after 9/11; speed past the rusted hulk of a shipwreck in Conception Harbour; and navigate intricate twists and turns through the narrow streets of historic Brigus … just to name a few of the many highlights.
From eastern to central Newfoundland and back again
The first rally stages will be held along the beautiful Irish Loop in Witless Bay, Bay Bulls, Burnt Cove and Bauline East – an area known as the heart of Irish culture in the province.
The scenery is amazing to see when it isn’t a blur. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
The next stages are in the former French capital of Placentia – Southern Avalon Peninsula area along the Cape Shore from Point Verde to St. Bride’s, Sanctuary and Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve. Teams then head to Gander where they’ll race through the streets of the famous airport town.
From there, the rally winds through the Central Newfoundland towns and outports along Notre Dame Bay from Glenwood to Leading Tickles including Pleasantview, Point Leamington and Glover’s Harbour before heading to Appleton.
The next leg follows the Road to the Beaches along Eastport Peninsula on Bonavista Bay through the communities of Eastport, Happy Adventure, Salvage, Burnside, and Port Blandford.
Random Island in Trinity Bay will host multiple stages through the outports of Weybridge, Hickman’s Harbour, Lower Lance Cove and Petley.
You may be concentrating too hard to notice the shipwreck in Conception Harbour. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)
On the final day of competition in the Conception Bay area, teams will race through Conception Harbour, Colliers, Marysvale, Turk’s Gut, and Georgetown before the finale through the narrow streets of historic Brigus.
Before teams hit the road, they take part in a two-day Course Familiarization Program (commonly called Targa School) in St. John’s including a driving skills review, stage review, and practice session. Targa wraps up in the city on the 19th with the awards gala.
