2009 Targa Newfoundland Rally

[racer-025]

I really dont know of any other place in North America that you could put on this type of event. The province of Newfoundland is quite an amazing place and the organizers did a huge amount of work and effort to make it as safe as possible as well as acceptable by the people and all levels of government. Thats one of the reasons why they need 2000 volunteers to make it all happen.

This event is not cheap. Its an equivalent to an entire race season's budget for most folks. Budget $8k (sleeping in your van) to $10K (4 star hotels). $20K gets you a nice rental race car, entrance fee, fly to & from Newfoundland, full support crew, and be King for the entire week. Beat the race the car all day long, hand in the keys and go to the Sauna & pool. Car gets the entire once over & shine each night. Do it all again for 5 days straight - VIP stuff!

We are more like prep, maintain & repair the car ourselves, sleep in the motorhome, etc....Anyway it is one of those must do at least once. Most IT cars can be temporairly modified to run Targa. Thats what I did to 2 of my ITA CRX's. Then I converted one of them back to IT and the other I converted to GT.

[BruceG]

Just watched the replay of the 2007 on SPEED. That 914/6 learned the hard way after going too fast over a wet wooden bridge! Pretty expensive rally for a few, plus the distance to get there.

Bruce

[racer-025]

Every year there are guys that want to win this thing on day 1 and some of them have too much car with not enough talent. Monday & Tuesday stage times are pretty easy to beat. You just have have to drive reasonably aggressive. By Wed the stage base time "window" is starting to get squeezed. And by Thur & Fri that window is small and you have to drive the wheels off to beat the times. Most people take penalities from Wed on.

A smart crew wants to just beat the base time and thats it. Dont over drive the car. What that means is drive at about 90% leaving some room for error. Eventually youll need that 10% to save your a$$. Play the game smart and youll be there on Friday to grab the trophie.

[BruceG]

Bruce.....Looks like the allwheel drive cars are a prety good compromise for the race, what with so much wet weather.

Bruce

[racer-025]

No doubt, the AWD cars do work good in the rain. This year it only rained during 1 morning. The rest was very nice weather. Ironically, of all the cars that crashed thru that guys fence in Brigus, they were all AWD cars. 6 of them in fact.

I believe the 2008 event will be televised Feb 8. Check your local listings.

[StephenB]

tv coverage is feb 8th on TSN??? what is TSN, Does anyone have this channel? I am totally bummed as I really wanted to see it! Especially with Frank going in 2008!

Stephen

[racer-025]

TSN is The Sports Network. www.tsn.ca

It must be broadcasted in Speed. I'll check it out...