The new registrar of Targa Newfoundland is no stranger to the famous rally. It’s in his blood. Wayne Lorenzen has done it all when it comes to Targa. He has been a co-driver, crew member, marshal, volunteer, and spectator since Targa first raced through his hometown of Gander more than 20 years ago.
“Targa went right by home,” says Wayne, who continues to live in the Newfoundland town. “I’ve always been a rally fan. I watched Targa for six years then volunteered for a couple more before I was asked to be a navigator.”
Wayne did a certified course in Ottawa in order to race in Targa as the co-driver for Sideways Motorsports with Brad Melendy in a 1986 IROC Z race car for several years. “We never had an off but once blew a motor and had to install a new one in Marystown after shipping it from Gander.” The pair raised over $30,000 for Central Health over the years they raced together and established an auto slalom event in Gander called Fly Your Car In Gander, which continues to this day.
After Sideways Motorsports he established a new team call MaxZen Racing with Gordon Maxwell. They raced for several years in various Targa events and raised funds for autism and epilepsy.
Growing up in Gander, famous for its airport and role in taking in thousands of stranded travellers grounded there after the 9/11 attacks, it’s perhaps only natural that he worked in the aviation industry for 37 years. That included stints with Transport Canada, NAV Canada, and a local flight school.
“Aviation is all about safety and logistics which also crossover to racing,” he says. “I helped NAV Canada develop a culture of safety. The same mentality applies to racing.”
He also served as national vice president of Local 2245 Air Traffic Services for the Canadian Autoworkers (CAW) and was a town councillor.
“That leadership position helped me with conflict management and thinking outside the box,” he says. “My strengths are optimism and keeping an open mind. The only bad idea is the one you don’t discuss. Even a ridiculous one could have some value.”
Teaching has been a significant part of his professional and personal life. Wayne taught ground school to private pilots, operated a martial arts school for over three decades, and assisted in a training program for drivers and navigators in Targa Newfoundland.
He’s a true motorhead with diverse interests that include all motorsports, sports cars, motorcycles, photography, remote control planes, and playing guitar. He’s the proud owner of a 1983 BMW 320i (E21), a couple of antique Kawasaki motorcycles, and a BMW sport touring bike.
What has kept him involved with Targa Newfoundland all these years?
“I love Targa. It’s such a unique, dynamic motorsport event. The location on the island of Newfoundland makes it different. It’s not just about the stages and closed roads, it’s the adventure, the scenery, and the people – the whole package. You’re not going to find this situation anywhere else in the world.”
As registrar, Wayne oversees the registration process for Targa entrants and addresses participants’ inquiries and issues related to registration, event details, and logistics.
Wayne (in red racing suit) with Andy Proudfoot (left) and Brad Melendy (centre), his former racing partner.