A battle of modern versus classic cars is shaping up in Targa 2 for September 2025.
Reigning Targa 2 title holders Spud Performance from PEI will face stiff competition when they return in September with their rally-prepped 2006 MINI Cooper S JCW. Driver Keir Pollard says he’s ready to “tear it up”. Already several teams are gunning for the top prize.
For one, Wayne Lorenzen from Newfoundland and Aaron Ayotte from Texas, racing under the moniker Double R Racing, are bringing a hot 2002 MINI Cooper S with Targa history to give them a run for the podium. That car won the Modern division in 2015 and 2016. Wayne has driven and co-driven Targa several times as well as volunteering with the organization. Aaron volunteered with Targa this year.
The experienced rally team of driver Enrico Bouchard and co-driver Patrick Lévesque from Quebec make their debut in Targa with their spectacular 1968 BMW 1600ti. They’ve had success in rallies in their home province and eastern Canada as competitors in the Canadian Rally Championship.
Meanwhile, the American team of Chris and Jeff Mason, The Rally Brothers, will be racing a 1965 Volvo Amazon 122S. They are no strangers to famous rallies around the globe. They’ve raced in Mexico’s La Carrera Panamericana and the Mille Miglia in Italy plus have made films of their adventures.
James and Josh Murphy will bring a beast of a car to the rally – a 1966 Ford Mustang restomod. Also, Charles Brooks from Ontario will pilot a 1993 Nissan 240SX in his first attempt at Targa glory.
There are more teams to come too. We’ll provide details on all the teams in the months ahead. It’s going to be the best Targa in years.
What is Targa 2?
Targa 2 is the highest speed competition in the Targa Newfoundland rally. Only fully-caged cars are allowed to compete. The division is broken down into these groups:
- Two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles built before or after the year 2000 (Classic or Modern)
- All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles built before or after the year 2000 (Classic or Modern)
How does Targa 2 compare to the other divisions?
This chart shows the average and top speeds for each division along with the safety requirements.
| Group | Safety | Average Speed (kph) | Top Speed (kph) | |
| Targa Tour | All | Roll bar required (open, removable roof, removable hard top cars) | 120 | 130 |
| Targa 1 | 2WD (Classic and Modern) | Roll bar required (all) | 130 | 155 |
| AWD (Classic and Modern) | Roll bar required (all) | 130 | 155 | |
| Targa 2 | 2WD (Classic and Modern) | Roll cage (all) | 140 | 180 |
| AWD (Classic and Modern) | Roll cage (all) | 140 | 180 |
Who is going to win Targa 2 In 2025? It could be you. Apply now for the ultimate tarmac rally experience!