In the 2025 Royal St. John’s Regatta, our Targa Newfoundland rowing team placed third in a very close and hard fought ladies under-18 race. Our sponsorship is a result of our Competition Director Joe Dowden, a former cox at the regatta. Congratulations ladies!

The Royal St. John’s Regatta is the oldest organized sporting event in North America. It has been a part of Newfoundland history for over 200 years.

The day is a civic holiday for the entire St. John’s area and is a full day of Fixed Seat Rowing Races. The fixed seat rowing shells are unique – being six person + coxswain and our races start and finish at the same spot – requiring all the crews to “turn the buoys” at the halfway point of the race.

The shores of beautiful and historic Quidi Vidi Lake are encircled by booths and concessions offering all visitors fun, food and games of chance. Crowds can reach as high as 30-50 thousand people as the citizens of St. John’s and visitors enjoy a “Day at the Races”.

The Royal St. John’s Regatta

Professional racing legend Randy “The Rocket” Pobst of Georgia has twice claimed the Targa 1 title with different co-drivers and different cars. Can he make it three in a row this fall.

Pobst won the Targa 1 division title in 2023 with Craig MacMullen and John Hume Sr. in a 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP. In 2024, he teamed up with Paul Abbott of St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador in Paul’s 1989 Porsche 911 Targa to win the division again. This fall, he and co-driver Paul return to race in Hume’s MINI GP as the Mini Maxi Rally Team.

“The event requires high precision and a good navigator/partner in a quick, reliable, and agile car,” he said. “We’ve got the package with Paul Abbott and the Hume Media Mini GP that I drove in 2023.”

As for Abbott, this will be his fifth Targa and second time navigating for Randy. He’s won twice before, including last year’s victory with Randy. Paul is confident they’ll do well again this year. “The MINI should have a really good chance even against the large field although there is some stiff competition in that class. It will be interesting to watch.”

Pobst has raced at every major track in North America, but Targa is something special to him. “It’s the thrill of racing on the open roads in a beautiful place, and the length and variety of the stages all week.”

Over his illustrious racing career, Randy was a factory driver with Porsche, Audi, Mazda, and Volvo. A member of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Hall of Fame, he’s won over 90 pro road races, including the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona (twice), four World Challenge GT Championships, two IMSA driver’s championships and two North American Touring Car championships. He also set the modified electric production record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid and recently challenged the hill climb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in a Hyundai IONIQ 6.

Pobst is thrilled to come back to Targa Newfoundland and encourages other racers to enter. “Driving enthusiasts, Targa offers a unique way to experience the driving thrills you love, in a real world environment like nothing else. Drive fast, drive smart! It’s an amazing adventure you’re not going to find anywhere else.”

Read more about Randy on his website randypobst.com and follow him at https://www.facebook.com/randy.pobst.

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Scott Giannou of St. John’s won Targa Newfoundland three times but it took several attempts before he pulled off that first victory. Scott and co-driver Ray Felice won the Classic Division in a 1981 Porsche 911 SC in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Scott is the son of Targa owner Robert Giannou with a lifelong passion for motorsport. In addition to Targa, he’s raced many of the most famous tracks across North America in Porsches, Hondas and other cars. Here he shares his wisdom about finding success at Targa.

How do you prepare for a rally such as Targa?

The biggest thing that people have to understand is they underestimate the punishment the car will go through. If you are not a race car driver or involved with motor sports, you have what I call a road mechanic mentality. A road mechanic will look at the car. They’ll look at a piece and go “It looks pretty good. There’s some wear, but it’s good.” A race mechanic will say, “There’s wear so we’re replacing it” whether it’s a $2-part or a $8000-part.

This is a marathon, not a sprint. The cars are under tremendous load and punishment and a $2-part can ruin your whole event. If you want an example, we were going to the start line and the car died. What had happened on the 911, there’s a coil on the fan. It had actually come out of the bracket and it was dangling. The wire had let go. If Stewart Hoo hadn’t been there, we would have been screwed because he opened the hood, took a look, and put the wire back on so the next time we went back, the coil had tape around it and a zip tie.

So, what happens is you get burnt by stupid things in your first years. You have to have someone that knows what you need in a rally. I think you need a true rally prep guy. We used to send our car to Peter Riley in Toronto. Peter would spend hundreds and hundreds of hours taking the car apart. Suspension, bolts, etc. You need heavy everything. If you think it can break, you should protect it.

What advice do you have about tire choice?

A lot of people make the mistake that they don’t pick the right tires. They go with too soft of a compound. When you prepare your car for Targa, you need to prepare it for rain. A dry set up will not work for you. You’ve got to set it up for 50% rain.

You need to have the right ride height. People make a big mistake when they go with too low profile tires. And we’ve had situations where people have been driving out the highway on a transit and hit a rut and flatten all four tires. You need sidewall. You need meat.

You have to have a good, durable, all-purpose tire that’s good in the wet and dry. I used to run Dunlops all the time.

What about suspension set up?

The prep is the most important thing. You have to prepare the car for 40-44 gruelling stages. The setup needs to be somewhere between a track car and a road car. So, not too stiff that you’re going to shake the fillings out of your teeth. But not too loose that you just can’t handle it. It’s all over the place. So, I always say in between.

You need a couple extra inches of ride height for sure. Your suspension is everything you need to go. There’s some really good suspension companies, for example HotBits’ Peter Riley. I had a full suspension built for my car by him. He understands Targa. He’s been here. He’s a rally guy himself and he understands what you need.

Suspension is the most important thing in this whole thing. If you’re going down the road and you come off a jump and you land and then you’ve got rebound. If you don’t have that set up right, you are just going to bounce right into the side of the road and that’s not going to be good. And it happens all the time. Suspension is key. If you don’t have good suspension, you’re going nowhere in Targa.

How does driving a tarmac rally differ than a racetrack?

When we go to Mosport, I’ll do the same turn 200 times. At Targa, we get one chance to do the turn. A lot of our road race drivers that come here underestimate that. They underestimate how much stuff (e.g. gravel and other debris) is going to be on the road especially when you’re running at the back and dozens of cars already came through and kicked up gravel. They take the racing line but because of the marbles they underestimate it and go too fast.

The biggest thing you need to do is when you’ve got time in the bank, you save the car. You get nothing for being 30 seconds quicker in the stage as long as you’re not taking penalty. Ease it back. The co-driver has to manage the driver to conserve the car.

We’ve had guys spend $80,000 to build a car to come here and they don’t make it through prologue. They get it balled up in a ditch. That’s not good for anyone. And well, it happens all the time. They over drive.

I’ve mentored lots of people and I was mentored by people who tell you what’s going to happen. You’re going to get red mist and you’re going to over drive your car but it’s 46 stages and you have to finish all of them to win.

How do you cope with the gruelling schedule of six days and 40 plus stages?

People underestimate the long hours and the mental capacity you need to have. You need your sleep. You’re going to have sleepless nights. And towards the end you’ll feel bagged especially if you’re running hard. We were racing against the best in the world, for God’s sake. We had the rally champions from all over the world like guys that won Targa Tasmania and Targa New Zealand. These were serious guys.

What about the dynamic of driver and co-driver?

That’s key. The driver’s got to listen to the co-driver and the co-driver has to be 100% organized. The co-driver’s job is to be prepared for the next day and to manage the driver’s emotions so he doesn’t over drive the car. The co-driver is the leader of the team. The guy who has everything prepared.

What’s going to happen in the day? Where do we need to be? What time do we need to be there? He’s the organiser and he also has to be the guy who calls the shots in the car. “We’ve got to pick it up” or “you’ve got to slow down like you’re going way too fast. We don’t need to do this. This is like day two. We’ve got it in the bank. We need to save the car.” I personally think the co-driver is the most important person on the team.

What advice do you have about team organization?

The other thing that I would say to someone who is coming is don’t over complicate things. What people don’t understand is that when s#!t’s going to happen, it’s probably going to be on a transit. You’re going to get a flat or something. Mechanical breakdowns are going to happen. If your crew’s gone ahead of you, they’re useless.

So, when we went in the stage, the support team was behind us and when we came out of the stage, they were waiting for us. We never moved without them behind us. They never got ahead. I beat Bob Yuille one year by two seconds because his crew went ahead of him on the stage before Brigus and his fuel pump gave up and he never finished the event and we won. So, pick the right crew.

Your crew has to realize there are long hours. They can be tearing the car down all night. And they’ve got to be up and at ’em the next day. The crew is as important as the driver and co-driver. You’ve got to have guys that know what they’re doing if you want to be competitive.

I don’t think there’s a person who comes and does the full Targa who doesn’t think they can win. It’s not reality, but they think they can, right? You got to don’t take chances with a car that’s half prepared. And if a part is half worn, whether it’s a dollar or 500, you replace it. It’ll bite you. I’ve crashed. I’ve broke. It took me nine tries to win the first one. Then we got three.

What finally clicked after nine tries at Targa that you nailed it?
Prep. I sent the car to Peter Riley and I spent thousands and thousands of dollars to make sure that we had a vehicle that was well prepared. I got rid of all the clutter. I had two fabulous guys who have been with us for years. I’m very focused on the car and focused on the event.

You don’t need to go fast. If you’ve got it in the bank, you’re not getting a prize for being 30 seconds quicker than the posted time.

And did you change anything in your driving?

Well, I got more mature. I was doing a lot of racing. I’ve raced that car (Porsche 911) all over North America. I got rid of all the extra stuff that I was trying to manage. And Ray Felice (co-driver) and I were just on. We nailed it. I don’t know if we have the record, but I think we’re maybe second for the lowest penalty points of the whole event. Ever.

What would be your key advice to someone who has never done a tarmac rally before?

Don’t over drive the road. You need to be very aware. Don’t get overconfident. Red mist is easy for people to get.

You need to drive what you can see. If you don’t have the experience, you need to drive what you can see and never over drive the car. That happens with a lot of people because we don’t use pace notes. If the driver starts to over drive the co-driver that’s where the danger comes in because he’s thinking he knows where he’s going. And then he comes into a 90° turn and he’s going straight because he’s out driving his co-driver. The co-driver is the most important person in the car.

What kind of car do you need to win Targa?

I know people talk about horsepower all the time but you need reliability. You need a car that will get you to the end through all conditions because inevitably you’re going to end up in the wet. And I raced a rear-wheel drive 911.

The best car is the car that you feel comfortable in. For me, safety is a big thing.

You don’t need more horsepower. You need reliability.

What do you say to people considering Targa but have yet to commit?

You need to come do this. I used to say to people if they’ve never rallied before, you need to come and do Grand Touring because it will give you an idea of what’s going to happen in the week. It’ll give you an idea of the way the stages are going to be. It’ll give you time to work with your co-driver, and then if you like it, come back and do the full Targa. Some people will say “that’s not for me; I just want to come and enjoy the scenery.” That’s fine too. It’s an experience unlike any other.

On the fourth day of competition, teams will head to the spectacular Eastport Peninsula on Bonavista Bay, which once was the summer home to the Beothuk tribe. Known for its rugged shoreline and soft sandy beaches, the area will host stages in the historic fishing communities of Happy Adventure, Salvage, Eastport, and Burnside before heading east to Port Blandford.

This area known as The Road to the Beaches embodies what Newfoundland outports are famous for: startling coastlines, culture, history, entertainment and a welcoming environment second-to-none.

Eastport Peninsula is a popular vacation destination pulling visitors from all corners of the globe. In addition to the sandy beaches, you can enjoy spectacular views, hiking trails and endless opportunities for exploration in Terra Nova National Park.

Eastport (population 501) is home to the world class Beaches Arts & Heritage Centre, host to many well-known local, national and international artists, writers and musicians. Its sandy beaches, dramatic seascapes, hiking trails and majestic boreal forest, teeming with wildlife, provide exceptional opportunity for photography, beachcombing, hunting, berry picking – you name it. 

Ranging from rugged coastal trails to leisurely strolls along beaches and through historic communities, the Damnable Trail network on the Eastport Peninsula and Glovertown has a trail for every hiker. The trails were developed largely from the remnants of old walking trails and hauling paths forged by the first settlers to the area. Eastport is also known as the “Festival Capital of Newfoundland” with literary, performing arts, and music events.

Happy Adventure boasts boat tours, public boat launches, accommodations such as Happy Adventure Inn, dining (Chucky’s Wild Game & Seafood Restaurant), a seafood processing plant and a place of worship. And for those with a creative soul, check out an evening of Palette Vino, with artist-in-residence Brenda Matchim.

Targa will celebrate its 1000th stage in the outport of Salvage (which rhymes with “age”) at the Salvaje Longhouse, the newest restaurant there in a former fish plant overlooking this picturesque, sheltered harbour.

Saltbox houses, red ochre stages, and St. Stephen’s Church, which was erected in 1859, are just some of the things you’ll see and experience in what may well be the oldest inhabited fishing village in North America. Salvage (population 124), perched on the rugged coastline of Bonavista Bay, is one of the most picturesque communities on the Eastport Peninsula.

With origins dating back to the late 1600s, today Salvage remains a working outport, focused on the fishery. It is most known for its red fishing stages and coastal hiking trails. Still a bit of a hidden gem, it has become a favourite for couples and families alike with its vacation rentals, fresh seafood, and genuine people.

Port Blandford is a beautiful little community nestled in the bottom of Clode Sound, Bonavista Bay, Port Blandford boasts natural scenic beauty and activities to suit any tourist or resident alike. Surrounded by dense boreal forest and bordered by three salmon rivers, Port Blandford has a relaxing and calming atmosphere. Here in Port Blandford you are sure to find the same hospitality and kindness that many travellers of over 100 years ago experienced.

The first national park in the province (Terra Nova National Park) was established on the border of the community in 1957 and features campgrounds, picnic parks, and hiking trails. With attractions such as Terra Nova Golf Resort, which includes a championship 18-hole golf course and a nine-hole course, great salmon fishing, and The Newfoundland T’railway, Port Blandford has become a tourism destination.

Visit the Tourism Newfoundland and Labrador site and check out Our Communities for more info. 

A Beginner’s Guide for Co-Drivers at Targa Newfoundland

By Wayne Lorenzen

Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime!

As a co-driver in Targa Newfoundland, you’re about to become an essential half of a high-performance team tackling one of the most demanding and rewarding tarmac rallies in North America. Whether you’re sitting in the right seat for the first time or coming from a different motorsport background, this guide is here to help you hit the ground running.

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🏁 What is Targa Newfoundland?

Targa Newfoundland is a multi-day tarmac rally covering up to 2,000 km of scenic and challenging roads across Newfoundland and Labrador. It combines fast-paced competition stages with transits through picturesque communities, where fans come out to cheer teams on. The rally includes various competition divisions (like Targa 1, Grand Touring, and Fast Tour), each with its own rules and pace.

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🧭 What Does a Co-Driver Do?

You’re more than a passenger—you’re the navigator, timekeeper, strategist, and sometimes even the in-car therapist. In short:  You help your team finish safely, quickly, and without penalty.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Pace Notes Navigation
   • Call out directions and hazards based on the official route books or custom notes.
   • Deliver instructions clearly and on time, adjusting for your driver’s style.
2. Time and Speed Management
   • Maintain target times in Grand Touring or regularity stages.
   • Monitor checkpoints and record stage times.
3. Rule Adherence
   • Ensure you’re meeting all requirements for checkpoints, controls, and penalties.
   • Carry and present timecards correctly.
4. Communication
   • Work closely with your driver. Calm, clear communication keeps the team focused and safe.

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📚 What You’ll Need to Learn

The Route Book

The route book is your bible. It includes:

• Tulip diagrams (symbols showing intersections and hazards)
• Distances (total and interval)
• Speed or timing instructions

Timing Concepts

Learn how to:

• Calculate Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) stages (for Grand Touring)
• Track your stage in-and-out times
• Use your stopwatch, rally app, or rally computer efficiently

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🛠️ Essential Gear for Co-Drivers

• Digital stopwatch or rally computer (like a Timewise or Rabbit)
• Clipboard, pens, and highlighters
• Route book (provided by organizers)
• Helmet and HANS device (as required for your division)
• Headset or intercom system (optional)
• Backup navigation tools (e.g., printed maps, phone with offline GPS)
• A positive attitude and a sense of humor (seriously—it helps!)

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🧠 Tips for New Co-Drivers

• Practice makes perfect. Sit with your driver and go through mock route book calls before the rally.
• Be organized. Keep all papers including the all important stage access card and tools accessible and secured.
• Stay calm under pressure. Your driver relies on your clarity when things get hectic.
• Double-check everything. Mistakes can lead to penalties or lost time.
• Talk to veterans. Everyone at Targa is incredibly welcoming. Ask questions and soak up knowledge.  Wayne Lorenzen – 709-235-0366, Registrar and long-time co-driver will be there to offer tips and advice. 

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🛣️ During the Rally

• Arrive early for each stage to review the route.
• Communicate with your service crew about needs or problems.
• Watch the weather—it can change rapidly in Newfoundland.
• Remember the community spirit: be respectful and appreciative to fans, volunteers, and locals.

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🎉 Final Thoughts

Targa Newfoundland is more than just a race—it’s a test of teamwork, trust, and tenacity. As a co-driver, you’re the brain of the car while your driver is the eyes, hands and feet. Your precision and composure will make all the difference between an okay rally and a great one. So, buckle in, stay sharp, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime. Welcome to the Targa family!

Wayne Lorenzen first experienced Targa Newfoundland when he saw the cars race by his driveway in Gander over 20 years ago. Since then, Wayne has done it all when it comes to Targa. He has been a co-driver, crew member, marshal, volunteer, and now registrar and competitor. Wayne did a certified course in Ottawa in order to race in Targa as the co-driver for Sideways Motorsports with Brad Melendy in a 1986 IROC Z race car for several years. After Sideways Motorsports, he established a new team called MaxZen Racing with Gordon Maxwell. They raced for in various Targa events and raised funds for autism and epilepsy. Wayne has also co-driven for other teams.  

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 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!

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.