Targa Newfoundland on SPEED

[Knestis]

Tonight at 11E. Should be interesting and I know that at least one regular IT.com poster ran the 2003 event...

K

[racer-025]

Yes, I think we did get 10 seconds of fame during the broadcast. We raced one of my ITA Honda CRX's. I temporarily modified two of them into Targa Rally Cars for the event. It seems our little Honda CRX wasn't worthy enough for much air time - even though I tryed to bribe the helicopter pilot! This event is well suited for IT cars.

As huge underdogs, we finished much better than expected, winning our class, finishing 3rd overall in the Modern Division and 8th overall for the event (out of 62 competitors). We actually beat ALL of the PRO teams that entered including Subaru Rally Team Canada. Passing 911 C4's and 944 Turbos at 130mph was big-time fun.

It was an amazing event that I highly recommend. They have over 90 teams already signed so far for the 2004 event in September. Apparently, it's quite the buzz down there at GRM magazine right now.

check it out at www.targanewfoundland.com


[This message has been edited by racer-025 (edited June 21, 2004).]

[Knestis]

Out of curiousity - and so I can start hording parts - what kind of spring rates did you run, compared to a road racing setup?

K

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Endure 13 hours at VIR with PhilsTireService.com Team GTI - Tuned with Cobalt Friction brake pads, KONI racing struts, and quality OE Volkswagen and racing parts from Bildon Motorsport

TOYO and HOOSIER Racing Tires available at Phil's Tire Service

[racer-025]

No secret. I ran #600 rear and #450 front, with the shocks set on medium. Rear bar on medium and raised the ride height about 2-1/2" all around. We did get airbourne on many occassions and only bottomed out once or twice. In Targa trim, you will be at least 300-400 lbs heavier than your IT setup depending on how heavy your co-driver is. I'm not sure what settings would be a good setup for your VW, but one thing is for sure, a "stiff" setup with 17" wheels just doesn't work on the tough Targa Stages. Jim Kenzie found that out with his "Works" Mini.

[Knestis]

I saw the Mini's woes and chuckled at the decision to go that route with tires...

How do those rates compare with your roadracing setup?

K

[racer-025]

Without giving away my IT secrets, I'll just say that these rates are a little lower than my track setup. We did not encounter much rain during the event (some on Thursday) so I really didn't get a chance to determine how my setup would fair during wet weather.

There are several US teams from the east coast competiting in this years event. If any of you folks get a chance to do this event - it is highly recommended. A similiar event called Targa Tasmania (in Australia) attracts 300 teams annually. This year, Targa Newfoundland should hit 100.