Driver: Blair Riddle
Co-driver: Mark Riddle
Vehicle: 2015 VW GTI
Division: Targa Tour
Country: Canada

Team GTI Fahrvergnügen feels the need for speed … and driving fun

Team GTI Fahrvergnügen (formerly Team VeeDub) returns to Targa Newfoundland in 2025 for the second year in a quick and agile 2015 VW GTI.

Last year, Targa volunteers Blair Riddle and Wayne Lorenzen shared driving and co-driving duties in the Fast Tour. This fall, Blair will pair up with his son, Mark, for the renamed Targa Tour.

Originally from Nova Scotia, where he practised his driving skills along the twisty highway to Peggy’s Cove, Blair spent 30 years in Alberta before moving to Newfoundland and Labrador. An experienced public relations practitioner and motorsports devotee, he provides media and public relations duties for Targa when he’s not behind the wheel.

“Driving in Targa 2024 was my first taste of a rally and I was instantly hooked,” Blair says. “It was simply an amazing experience like something out of a movie driving hard for 40 kilometres along the rolling, twisty coastal highway to St. Bride’s, tearing through Gander with crowds waving, and finally blasting through the narrow, wet streets of Brigus.”

Mark is an award winning videographer and editor in Calgary where he works on a wide variety of projects including television ads, commercial videos, web series, music videos, and independent films. Though he doesn’t have previous experience in motorsports, he does share his dad’s heavy foot and need for speed. And they both love Volkswagens.

“I’m looking forward to visiting and exploring Newfoundland for the first time and sharing this rally experience with my dad,” says Mark.

Fahrvergnügen translates to “driving pleasure” and was the slogan for VW GTI ads in years past. “I couldn’t think of a better name for the team this year.” says Blair. “Targa Newfoundland is all about driving pleasure and then some.”