Targa Newfoundland has always had an international flavour. Since the first rally in 2002, it has welcomed entrants from across Canada and the United States as well as the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, and the Caribbean, among others.

“Targa Newfoundland is a rare and special motorsport event that attracts very rare and special people who have, through their participation, become a family without borders,” says Robert Giannou, owner and co-founder.

Newfoundland is famous for its hospitality and one of the friendliest places you’ll ever find. It’s not unusual for competitors to get invited into the homes of people along the route and become fast friends with total strangers. That’s the Newfoundland way.

Rick Marshall from Florida has competed twice in Targa 1 with his brother Sam and they’re coming back again. The friendliness of the people is part of the draw. “The nicest people in the world you will ever meet are here in Newfoundland.”

Matthias Boemke from Germany navigated for his Canadian cousin Ralph Wiesbrock in Fast Tour. “It was brilliant. I’m totally amazed about the people here and the team which organized Targa. They are unbelievably friendly, helpful and active all day and the evenings.”

Giannou is not surprised by those comments. “This rally is more than competition, it’s about camaraderie, shared experiences and lasting friendships,” says Giannou. “No matter where you are from, you are always welcome here and will become an honourary Newfoundlander.”

You will have to kiss a cod and drink Screech to become an honourary Newfoundlander but that’s a story for another day.