VCC TIME TRIAL LURES CLASSICS BACK TO TARGA
THE RISING STAR OF TARGA NEW ZEALAND IS THE VCC TARGA TIME TRIAL CATEGORY, WHICH IN 2022 HAS ALMOST DOUBLE THE ENTRANTS IT RECEIVED IN ITS FIRST TWO YEARS
By early May, 28 entrants had registered for the five day time trial, with another nine signing up for the two day event, up from an already respectable total of 20 in both 2018 and 2019.
It is a massive vindication for event steward Rod Corbett, who is based in Wanaka and is a long-time Targa associate.
In previous years, Rod noted a steady decline in the number of classic cars participating in the regular Targa, a far cry from the days when they were in the majority. Reasons included the need to modify cars and fit roll bars, and the challenge of getting all the racing pre-qualification ducks in a row — plus the fact many classics had simply become too valuable and precious to submit to high-end risks.
Even the appeal of the Tour category waned for many drivers, instead attracting more modern GT cars capable of higher speeds. As overtaking isn’t allowed in the Tour, drivers of older cars began to feel they were holding the newer cars up.
Winning formula
With the appeal of both racing and touring waning among classic owners, the big question was how to win back those classic cars and their drivers?
Rod hatched the new category with the VCC — and there’s every indication it’s the perfect answer. The time trial is a proven formula in the ranks of VCC events; something that allows for spirited driving without pushing classics to the ragged edge, while still providing competition for those who like to take it seriously.
Competitors simply aim to match a preset target elapsed time for each of the special stages, and those with the closest total time after either five or two days of competition win.
The target time is calculated to give drivers a workout in the fun zone for cars more than 30 years of age, but it also calls for skill and teamwork. Best of all, the brutal surgery required for roll cages and most race paraphernalia is not needed, and event pre-qualification is minimal.
Cars simply have to be road registered, with a warrant of fitness, third party insurance and basic safety items: a fire extinguisher, first aid kit,
tow rope and a safety triangle. As it is a VCC event, entrants must be members of — or join — the Vintage Car Club. This cunning move gave organisers a pool to draw on, and it had the double benefit of attracting new and younger members to the VCC. The cars also have to qualify for a VCC VIC, a vehicle identity card, which says it is a pukka qualifying car, noting that annually another year’s production meets the 30-year threshold.
Rod knew he was onto a good thing when almost all the entrants in the first event held in the South Island registered for the second event in 2019, despite it being in the North Island. Most of them came back for this longdelayed third running.
The variety of cars entered couldn’t fail to gladden the hearts of classic fans along the central North Island route on both the two day and five day contests, including Healeys, Spitfires, a Stag, an Alfa 1750 GTV, a two-stroke Saab 96 Sport, a Datsun 1200 SSS, Jaguar Cand E-types, an MGC Sebring and a 1934 Bentley 3½-litre special.
“It has exactly achieved its objective of getting older cars back on the road without them having to be modified to take part, which appeals to a lot of people,” says Rod.
Top of the South
Given the launch Targa VCC Time Trial was held in the South Island, organisers felt it had enough of a following to plan a second event over three days later this year, which might attract South Islanders who couldn’t make it to New Plymouth for the May event.
As the previous South Island Targa and time trial was held in the lower reaches of the South Island, this new event in October will be the first Top of the South VCC Targa Time Trial.
Potential entrants should note this Targa event, tour and the time trial have been pushed back a week from the dates previously announced, now running Friday, 28 October to Sunday, 30 October.
Enquiries are already in double figures, and Rod is hoping to see at least 50 classic cars competing in the time trial. VCC event entry fees are discounted until June 1, and organisers have suggestions for accommodation bookings and advice on ferry bookings. For more information on the Top of the South time trial, contact Rod Corbett on 027 433 8772 or email rod.corbett88@gmail.com.