Targa Newfoundland 2011: Chrysler muscles its way to the podium
Auto manufacturers such as Chrysler, MINI (BMW), Subaru, and Hyundai regularly sponsored teams to compete in Targa Newfoundland. Chrysler was a frequent and fierce competitor years ago.
In 2011, the Chrysler team, led by Senior Vice President Ralph Gilles, brought a muscular Viper SRT-10 and Challenger SRT 392 (later marketed as the Challenger Targa). They had great success to the benefit of a local charity.
Here is a summary written by Huw Evans of AutoGuide.
Chrysler SRT Victorious at Targa Newfoundland, For a Good Cause
AutoGuide, September 20th, 2011
https://www.autoguide.com/…/chrysler-srt-victorious-at…
Having entered a three car team in this year’s gruelling Ferrari Enzo-killing Targa Newfoundland, Chrysler‘s SRT/Dodge Motorsports entry managed to rack up first and second place finishes in the event, as well as raising almost $26,000 for the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
“We are really pleased to have raised [this money] to help the [local Autism society],” declared Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of the Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand and senior vice president – Product Design, Chrysler Group.
Gilles, driving in his fourth Targa event, finished second place in the Modern Category, behind the wheel of a Dodge Viper SRT-10. Dr. Rob Pacione, a veteran Targa Competitor, who drove a modified Challenger SRT 392 during the event, finished first in the Open Class.
The third vehicle in the triumvirate, another Challenger SRT 392, piloted by Los Angeles based journalist George ‘MotoMan’ Notaras, finished ninth in the Grand Touring category.
It’s interesting to note that all three cars were true production models, even Pacione’s mount, despite running a 392 Hemi Crate engine and performance exhaust, sported factory designed and engineered parts.
The money raised from the team’s participation this year will go towards providing services and assistance for families affected by autism.
Photos: Ralph Saulnier, AutoGuide, topspeed.com
