After six long days of competition that tested the mettle and metal of more than two dozen rally teams, Targa Newfoundland crossed the finish line in the streets of Brigus on Thursday, September 18. Three past winners in Targa 2, Targa 1, and Grand Touring claimed victory in their divisions but competition was tight until the end.
In the fastest division for cars with roll cages, Targa 2, PEI’s Keir Pollard and Jeremy Boehner of Spud Performance proved that last year’s win was no fluke by taking the win in commanding fashion in a 2006 MINI Cooper S JCW. Second place went to Chris and Jeff Mason, the Rally Brothers, from the United States in their vintage 1968 Volvo Amazon 122S. The local Newfoundland/Scottish team of Gordon “Max” Maxwell and Justin Gatehouse took third place in a 2008 Mitsubishi Evo.
Targa 1 was also hard fought and only decided after the tough Brigus stages. Racing legend Randy Pobst from Atlanta, Georgia and co-driver Paul Abbott from St. John’s were repeat winners. This time they did it in a 2013 MINI GP provided by Hume Media. Devon Knight and Logan King-Gaudon from the west coast of Newfoundland wheeled their way to a well-deserved second spot in a 2015 Ford Mustang GT. Third went to the son and father duo of Brett and John Hueston from Aylmer, Ontario in their 2024 Toyota GR Corolla.
Past Grand Touring champs, Marinus and Renee Damm from Oregon, made it three wins by taking the GT title in their 2024 Porsche Cayman GTS.
Final results are posted online including the class winners of Modern and Classic two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive cars. 2025 Results – Targa Newfoundland
Teams in the three competitive divisions and Targa Tour, a non-competitive motoring adventure, covered about 2000 km in this epic week-long rally from eastern to central Newfoundland and back again from the start in St. John’s on Saturday, September 13 to the finish in Brigus on Thursday, September 18. About 500 km were at speed on closed stretches of public roads and streets.
Along the way, several teams came to the rescue of a motorist whose pickup caught fire on the Trans Canada Highway using their fire extinguishers and quick actions to save the trailer. Enrico Bouchard and Pat Levesque of Stream Racing from Quebec led the effort and were rewarded with the Spirit of Targa Award by owner Robert Giannou.
Rev. Edison Wiltshire, aka The Faster Pastor, presented the Grace Cup to “Rookies of the Year” Chris and Jeff Mason. They may be new to Targa but they aren’t new to rallies having competed in the United States, Mexico and Europe.
The Spirit of Targa Volunteer Awards went to Joe Dowden, Competition Director; Michelle Gushue, Stage Operations Coordinator; and Tom Pokorny, Director of IT. Joe has been involved with Targa in various roles for 18 years.
Attrition was higher than usual claiming several cars this year. The gruelling schedule took its toll on the teams with some suffering broken parts, broken hearts, bent metal, and bruised bodies and egos. Six cars did not make it to the finish line. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries.
During the leg along the Eastport Peninsula, Targa marked its 1000th stage since the rally began in 2002. Teams stopped long enough to celebrate that milestone with lunch at the new Salvaje Longhouse located in a former fish plant in the outport Salvage. The Targa tribe was the first group of guests at the new brewery, café, restaurant, and hotel.
“Congratulations to the winners and everyone who survived this endurance rally. This was the biggest and best Targa Newfoundland in years,” said Targa owner Robert Giannou. “Competition was stiff in each division. The weather cooperated for the most part. Teams, volunteers, and spectators had a wonderful time. We showed the teams from away some of the best that our beautiful province has to offer.”
Work is underway already to prepare for Targa 2026. You don’t want to miss out. Apply for the ride of your life. Apply to Drive – Targa Newfoundland
Read team profiles on the Targa website.
About Targa Newfoundland
Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of only three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world. Since 2002, Targa Newfoundland, the ultimate tarmac rally in North America, has attracted hundreds of professional and amateur racers from around the globe to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Held each fall on the ruggedly beautiful island of Newfoundland in eastern Canada, the rally covers 2000 kilometres of challenging, twisty roads through amazing scenery across the island including about 500 kilometres of thrilling stages at speed on closed sections of public roads. Now in its 23rd year, Targa Newfoundland reached an incredible milestone – the 1000th stage – during this fall’s event.
Visit the Targa website targanfld.com for more information.