Do you wonder longingly about what it would have been like to race in the Mille Miglia or Targa Florio? As a racer at heart, do you wish that you could participate in a road rally like the days of old but with a modern twist on a course both spectacular and challenging?
Well, you can in fact quench that thirst for motorsport adventure, and you can do it in the spectacular setting of Newfoundland, Canada at the Targa Newfoundland.
The Targa Newfoundland is a motorsport secret unlike any other and it attracts participants from all over the world that want to experience old world road rallying fun and adventure with modern, and not so modern, race cars.
As the organizers work to recover from the effects of Covid, they are inviting you to experience a motorsport adventure like no other in North America or indeed the world.
A Tarmac Rally in a Spectacular Setting
Targa Newfoundland was and still is the first and only tarmac rally of its kind to be held in North America. As they enter their third decade, they offer a 2,000-kilometre course that brings you through scenery that you will not find elsewhere. While the competition courses are fantastic, they are often outdone by the sheer spectacular beauty of the scenery which surrounds the competitive stages. From the pristine seaside and the wild looming rugged ocean cliffs to the century-old towns and villages to the uplands and into the mountains; the island of Newfoundland is spectacular! And all this breathtaking view is encompassed by clean fresh ocean air scented with the tangy taste of the saltwater ocean that surrounds this wonderous and beautiful island.
The competitive sections of the stages are held on roads closed to the general public. They comprise approximately 30% of the total course. The balance of the course takes participants from one stage to another in what they call transits.
There are several divisions that accept all types of cars to race in the event so it was more than likely that your race car will be acceptable.
The Course
The 2023 course travels through Newfoundland’s eastern and central parts, challenging competitors to over 1900 km. With over 500km of closed road stages and upwards of 1380 km of transits, these two distances run for six consecutive days and will be a critical and absolute test for all, be they factory teams or private entries. Most of this event will test durability, stamina, and strategy, as it will require them to travel through high speed, closed roads, challenging stages, and long and short transits, which are conducted under the regular day-to-day, rules and regulations.
Race the Rock – Electric Car Challenge
Not only are there all kinds of internal combustion cars that take place in the Targa Newfoundland, but electric vehicles are also invited to “Race the Rock” with the Electric Car Challenge.
In a first of its kind, Targa Newfoundland is setting the stage for a head-to-head competition of Electric power vs. Internal Combustion. This challenge will occur as part of the overall Targa Newfoundland.
As the course travels primarily throughout rural Newfoundland, there may be limited permanent charging stations. Therefore, teams will be allowed to use portable charging stations as long as they are pre-approved by the organizers.
This is your chance to race your electric car in a way and place you never thought possible!
How to Participate
Deadline to enter is June 1. The event takes place on September 14th to 22nd, 2023. For full details and to register visit the Targa Newfoundland website here. https://www.targanfld.com/
If you have always wanted to drive on a road without speed limits, in a spectacular setting as part of an event that is both fun and welcoming, then the Targa Newfoundland may just be the event that will quench that thirst for adventure. Sign up and Race the Rock. You will not regret it.