Driver: John Flanagan

Co-driver: Tommy Flanagan

Car: 2021 Saleen Mustang

Division: Targa Tour

Country: United States and Canada

Brothers bring some heavy metal muscle

Brothers John and Tommy Flanagan first came to Targa Newfoundland in 2004, just the third event of the rally. They had such a great experience they always intended to return for another run but life got in the way.

They grew up in Jacquet River, New Brunswick. John later moved to the United States where he launched a solar panel company while Tommy remained in their home province and worked in trucking. Both are now retired from their careers. John likes driving but older brother Tommy is the car guy in the family having owned a number of fast rides.

Targa is their only motorsport experience though. Back in 2004, the brothers came to Targa in Tommy’s 1995 Mustang GT convertible. “Back then there were no roll bar regulations for open cars so we ran half of it with the top down when it wasn’t raining and we had a really good time,” said Tommy.

Circumstances came together allowing them to make their return to Targa, 21 years after their first appearance. John bought a powerful Saleen Mustang packing a whopping 745-horsepower and go-fast goodies just for Targa and brought it to Newfoundland all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada. It definitely competes for best sounding entry but ear plugs are recommended.

“It sounds good but after driving it for 2000 miles I couldn’t hear for two days,” said John. “The suspension is all done up and it’s supercharged. It’s very fast. I anticipate a few speeding tickets.”

The brothers entered Targa Tour to have a great time reliving their past experiences on the wild roads of Newfoundland. They were there in the beginning and now back for the milestone of the 1000th stage. There could be more Targa down the road for them.

“We’re building a BMW 318i convertible for Targa 1 so hopefully we’ll be back,” added Tommy.