Driver: Blair Riddle
Co-driver: Wayne Lorenzen
Vehicle: 2015 VW GTI
Country: Canada

Targa vet teaches rally rookie

Team VeeDub combines one experienced Targa veteran from Newfoundland and teams him up with a “come from away” rally rookie for six days in a quick and agile VW GTI.

Sharing driving and co-driving duties throughout the week-long rally are Blair Riddle, originally from Nova Scotia and most recently Alberta, and born and raised Newfoundlander Wayne Lorenzen of Gander. Both are volunteers with Targa Newfoundland as well as participants.

Wayne is the registrar of Targa Newfoundland and also coordinated the stages in Gander and central Newfoundland. Wayne 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.”  

Blair, an experienced public relations practioner, provides media relations for Targa. This is his first rally.

“Other than some autocrosses, this is really my first taste of motorsport,” he says. “Driving across this beautiful island on closed roads with Wayne guiding me along the way is a dream come true. We’ll see how he feels when I am co-driving for him.”

Now that’s Fahrvergnügen, Team VeeDub.

GTI photo by Matt Myler