Great potential of Targa event

IT’S of no surprise that the first Targa motorsport event in the Far North is exceeding expectations.

Targa Great Barrier Reef had a target of 150 entries. As of Friday there were 214 and growing.

Organisers are now considering capping numbers and establishing a waiting list to cater for drop-outs.

They want to walk before they run, so it is critical the bugs are ironed out for the event from August 31-September 2, before expanding to include more entries and stages.

Event director Mark Perry says there will be teething problems because it is a first on new routes with new competitors, volunteers and officials.

Delays need to be kept to a minimum with the most competitive drivers and vehicles at the back of the field and road closures.

Targa Great Barrier Reef has resonated with the Targa world for many reasons including being a first on new roads.

The destination also is a drawcard and most competitors and their family and friends are expected to spend days on both sides of the three day event enjoying the tropics.

Understandably for logistical and safety reasons there will be no street stage within the Cairns CBD nor a stage on the highway between Palm Cove and Port Douglas but they are in future plans, as early as next year.

The course is still under wraps but look out for the Targa Start (TS) and Targa Finish (TF) markers on roads such as the Kuranda Range and near Green Hill at Gordonvale.

The Far North has been starved of first class motorsport events for a long time and Targa Great Barrier Reef has the potential to be the biggest in Australia, particularly because of our proximity to Asia. Nick Dalton Deputy editor