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

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

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

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

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

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

Targa Newfoundland is made up of four distinct divisions. There are three competitive divisions – Targa 1, Targa 2, and Grand Touring – and one non-competitive division, Targa Tour. Targa 1 and 2 divisions are further grouped by two-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles made before or after the year 2000.

So, you’ve always dreamed of entering Targa Newfoundland but you’re not interested in competing against others. You just want to have fun with your car on the open road (and closed ones too!). Targa Tour is for you.

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. We connect race car owners looking to rent their vehicles with competitors eager to take part in the rally.

On the second leg of Targa, teams motor to the scenic and historic Cape Shore. Teams will drive a long, 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.