The Rocket races back to the Rock

*Pro racer Randy Pobst and co-driver Paul Abbott are back in Targa this fall. (Photo: Larry Strung)*

Professional racing legend Randy “The Rocket” Pobst of Georgia has twice claimed the Targa 1 title with different co-drivers and different cars. Can he make it three in a row this fall.

Pobst won the Targa 1 division title in 2023 with Craig MacMullen and John Hume Sr. in a 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP. In 2024, he teamed up with Paul Abbott of St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador in Paul’s 1989 Porsche 911 Targa to win the division again. This fall, he and co-driver Paul return to race in Hume’s MINI GP as the Mini Maxi Rally Team.

*Randy and Paul will race this 2013 MINI GP belonging to Hume Media. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)*

“The event requires high precision and a good navigator/partner in a quick, reliable, and agile car,” he said. “We’ve got the package with Paul Abbott and the Hume Media Mini GP that I drove in 2023.”

As for Abbott, this will be his fifth Targa and second time navigating for Randy. He’s won twice before, including last year’s victory with Randy. Paul is confident they’ll do well again this year. “The MINI should have a really good chance even against the large field although there is some stiff competition in that class. It will be interesting to watch.”

Pobst has raced at every major track in North America, but Targa is something special to him. “It’s the thrill of racing on the open roads in a beautiful place, and the length and variety of the stages all week.”

Over his illustrious racing career, Randy was a factory driver with Porsche, Audi, Mazda, and Volvo. A member of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Hall of Fame, he’s won over 90 pro road races, including the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona (twice), four World Challenge GT Championships, two IMSA driver’s championships and two North American Touring Car championships. He also set the modified electric production record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid and recently challenged the hill climb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in a Hyundai IONIQ 6.

Pobst is thrilled to come back to Targa Newfoundland and encourages other racers to enter. “Driving enthusiasts, Targa offers a unique way to experience the driving thrills you love, in a real world environment like nothing else. Drive fast, drive smart! It’s an amazing adventure you’re not going to find anywhere else.”

Read more about Randy on his website randypobst.com and follow him at https://www.facebook.com/randy.pobst.