A Beginner’s Guide for Co-Drivers at Targa Newfoundland
By Wayne Lorenzen
Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime!
As a co-driver in Targa Newfoundland, you’re about to become an essential half of a high-performance team tackling one of the most demanding and rewarding tarmac rallies in North America. Whether you’re sitting in the right seat for the first time or coming from a different motorsport background, this guide is here to help you hit the ground running.
🏁 What is Targa Newfoundland?
Targa Newfoundland is a multi-day tarmac rally covering up to 2,000 km of scenic and challenging roads across Newfoundland and Labrador. It combines fast-paced competition stages with transits through picturesque communities, where fans come out to cheer teams on. The rally includes various competition divisions (like Targa 1, Grand Touring, and Fast Tour), each with its own rules and pace.
🧭 What Does a Co-Driver Do?
You’re more than a passenger—you’re the navigator, timekeeper, strategist, and sometimes even the in-car therapist. In short: You help your team finish safely, quickly, and without penalty.
Core Responsibilities:
- Pace Notes Navigation
- Call out directions and hazards based on the official route books or custom notes.
- Deliver instructions clearly and on time, adjusting for your driver’s style.
- Time and Speed Management
- Maintain target times in Grand Touring or regularity stages.
- Monitor checkpoints and record stage times.
- Rule Adherence
- Ensure you’re meeting all requirements for checkpoints, controls, and penalties.
- Carry and present timecards correctly.
- Communication
- Work closely with your driver. Calm, clear communication keeps the team focused and safe.
📚 What You’ll Need to Learn
The Route Book
The route book is your bible. It includes:
- Tulip diagrams (symbols showing intersections and hazards)
- Distances (total and interval)
- Speed or timing instructions
Timing Concepts
Learn how to:
- Calculate Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) stages (for Grand Touring)
- Track your stage in-and-out times
- Use your stopwatch, rally app, or rally computer efficiently
🛠️ Essential Gear for Co-Drivers
- Digital stopwatch or rally computer (like a Timewise or Rabbit)
- Clipboard, pens, and highlighters
- Route book (provided by organizers)
- Helmet and HANS device (as required for your division)
- Headset or intercom system (optional)
- Backup navigation tools (e.g., printed maps, phone with offline GPS)
- A positive attitude and a sense of humor (seriously—it helps!)
🧠 Tips for New Co-Drivers
- Practice makes perfect. Sit with your driver and go through mock route book calls before the rally.
- Be organized. Keep all papers including the all important stage access card and tools accessible and secured.
- Stay calm under pressure. Your driver relies on your clarity when things get hectic.
- Double-check everything. Mistakes can lead to penalties or lost time.
- Talk to veterans. Everyone at Targa is incredibly welcoming. Ask questions and soak up knowledge. Wayne Lorenzen – 709-235-0366, Registrar and long-time co-driver will be there to offer tips and advice.
🛣️ During the Rally
- Arrive early for each stage to review the route.
- Communicate with your service crew about needs or problems.
- Watch the weather—it can change rapidly in Newfoundland.
- Remember the community spirit: be respectful and appreciative to fans, volunteers, and locals.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Targa Newfoundland is more than just a race—it’s a test of teamwork, trust, and tenacity. As a co-driver, you’re the brain of the car while your driver is the eyes, hands and feet. Your precision and composure will make all the difference between an okay rally and a great one. So, buckle in, stay sharp, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime. Welcome to the Targa family!
Wayne Lorenzen first experienced Targa Newfoundland when he saw the cars race by his driveway in Gander over 20 years ago. Since then, Wayne has done it all when it comes to Targa. He has been a co-driver, crew member, marshal, volunteer, and now registrar and competitor. 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. After Sideways Motorsports, he established a new team called MaxZen Racing with Gordon Maxwell. They raced for in various Targa events and raised funds for autism and epilepsy. Wayne has also co-driven for other teams.