Driver: John Gordon
Co-driver: Doug Ottenheimer
Car: 2018 Tesla Model 3
Division: Targa Tour
Country: Canada
Targa goes electric!
The latest buzz at Targa Newfoundland is about the long-running rally’s first ever electric vehicle (EV) entry.
Auto-X Racing, a local team from St. John’s, NL, is bringing a Tesla Model 3 this fall to show how an electric car can compete with internal combustion engine vehicles over the course of the gruelling endurance event.
John Gordon is with Auto X Preowned, a company that sells and services used electric vehicles. An electrician by trade, Gordon bought his first electric car in 2013. “I needed a second car so I bought an EV and fell in love with it.” He then created Canada’s first multi-brand EV dealership and has sold hundreds of electric cars over the last 13 years. Chances are if you see a used EV on the road in Newfoundland it may have come from there.
Doug Ottenheimer of St. John’s is a long-time friend of John’s, a car enthusiast and a heavy equipment operator by trade and he’s also part of Auto X. “I’ve always been into cars and machinery – pretty much anything that moves,” he said.
Their weapon of choice for their first Targa is a 2018 Tesla Model 3 with dual motors and all-wheel drive plus some mods to boost power. It’s supercar quick with instant torque and zero-to-100 kph (roughly 0-60 mph) acceleration in about 3 seconds. They believe that will give them some advantage coming off tight turns and slow sections of the course.
“We’re excited to see what it can do on the Targa course,” said Gordon. “It’s one of the fastest cars in the province, I believe, and will give us a fun run. We’re going to do some modifications to the suspension so it handles the bumps a bit better in Targa.”
How do they feel as pioneers bringing the first electric car to the rally?
“We’ve been pioneers in the EV space for some time,” said Gordon. “We’re excited to introduce EVs to some communities and demographics that haven’t been exposed to them to spread the word that EVs are affordable, fast, fun and reliable.”
What about range anxiety?
“The Model 3 has a range of 400 to 500 km at average speeds so we’re looking at opportunities to charge (the battery) on the longer days. Our provincial charging network is quite good.”
The pair are new to Targa and to motorsports in general so they will test the Targa waters by entering the non-competitive Tour this fall with future plans to enter a competitive division the following year. They will share driving and co-driving duties during the rally. “Our goal is just to finish the rally this year. Our strategy is to stay on the road,” said Gordon, with a smile.
“Targa is an amazing opportunity,” added Ottenheimer. “It’s been part of our province for so long. I can’t wait to hit the road.”
Welcome to Targa, b’ys! We’re charged up about your entry already.
