With the 23rd running of Targa Newfoundland about to hit the road from September 13-18, safety of the competitors, volunteers, and spectators is the number one priority.
Targa Newfoundland has a safety record second to none and goes to great lengths to keep everyone involved with the rally safe.
“Targa Newfoundland has been running for over 20 years, and we take pride in our enviable safety record, one of the best in our sport,” said Targa owner Robert Giannou. “There have been no major incidents in recent years and we intend to keep it that way.”
Following two days of classroom training and practice runs, teams will line up for the official start of Targa 2025 at the Mary Brown’s Centre in downtown St. John’s on the morning of Saturday, September 13 at 9:30 a.m. About 30 teams are competing in the epic week-long, 2000 km rally from eastern to central Newfoundland and back again with the finale in Brigus on Thursday, September 18.
“We do everything possible to minimize risk,” said Competition Director Joe Dowden. “We provide training for the teams, marshals and volunteers, carefully select and inspect the stages, and keep communities well informed. We want everyone involved to have a safe and fun event.”
Safety for competitors
The specially created Course Familiarization Program prepares drivers and co-drivers before the rally begins. The two-day course includes safety training, a driving skills review, and practice session. The training is provided by event officials as well as law enforcement and medical professionals.
All drivers and co-drivers must wear approved helmets as well as fire resistant suits. Cars in Targa 2, the fastest division, must have a roll cage. Roll bars are required for Targa 1 and Grand Touring as well as all open cars. All vehicles must be equipped with a fire extinguisher(s) and safety triangles. Teams undergo a breathalyzer test each morning of the rally.
Safety for volunteers
Rally volunteers take several weeks of training covering topics that include safety procedures, rally operations, communications, and role responsibilities. All volunteers on course must wear safety vests and teams are in radio contact throughout the event.
Safety for spectators
Targa officials advise communities well in advance of the route. Rally stages are taped off to keep spectators at a safe distance. Marshals are stationed along the course to keep spectators safe and report any issues during the event. Rally officials drive the course prior to the competition to ensure there are no hazards and that spectators are in safe viewing areas.
Be a smart spectator. Think safety!
- Stand at least 15 metres from the road.
- Never stand on the outside of a turn.
- Choose high ground.
- Never stand behind red tape.
- Always stand, do not sit down to watch
- AND remind others to do the same.
Targa 2025 Stages
Visit the Event Stages webpage for information about each day of the event and stage maps. A detailed event schedule is also posted.
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 will reach an incredible milestone – the 1000th stage – during this fall’s event.
Visit the Targa website targanfld.com for more information.