Targa Newfoundland is back in business
Known for its hot cars, scenery and hospitality, race event returns after hiatus
Blending hot cars, incredible scenery and legendary hospitality, Targa Newfoundland has cemented itself as one of the premier automotive race events in this country since its beginnings two decades ago. After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the extravaganza returns in fine style, scheduled from Sept. 12 to 19 for its 2024 iteration.
On tap are at least four different divisions, ranging from the unscored, non-competitive Targa Tour to the fully caged (and timed) beasts in the Targa 2 Division. There are also Targa 1 and GT divisions, the latter of which generally includes time-speed-distance scoring for vehicles without specific race prep (but with appropriate safety gear, natch). An EV Touring class is also in the cards, but is not yet mentioned on the official Targa website for 2024.
Each year, the Targa Newfoundland is further subdivided into a trio of distinct events. Targa Bambina is a two-day competition, Targa Rotoura is a three-day affair, while Targa Duemila is the full six-day meal deal. Those days are in addition to a couple of days of pre-event sessions.
This structure is intended to afford racers of all skills and means the opportunity to participate without having to trek clear across the island if they do not wish to compete at such a level. Though any form of motorsport can be ruinously expensive, the entry fee for Duemila just barely encroaches on five figures, a sum far south of most other events of this type, and probably less than F1 teams spend on appetizers for lunch.
Tentatively, the six legs this year run the gamut from a Prologue day just south of St. John’s on the Avalon Peninsula to stages way out in your author’s home of Notre Dame Bay. This year, the final couple of legs circle back to the Avalon, with days of competition planned for Trinity Bay and Conception Bay.
As background for those unfamiliar, the word Targa means “plate” or “crest” in Italian, and was first linked to cars through the original Targa Florio event held on the island of Sicily. The concept of competing time against time, with cars setting off at intervals, was relatively novel back then.
In 1990, the concept was redeveloped on the Australian island state of Tasmania, taking the form of the Targa Tasmania, with Targa New Zealand following four years later. Organizers assert Newfoundland island is one of the only locations in the Northern Hemisphere able to offer the roads, challenges, and natural beauty required to host such an event. As a Newfoundlander, I can’t help but agree.