Targa Newfoundland has a safety record second to none and goes to great lengths to keep everyone involved with the rally safe. Safety is our top priority. Targa Newfoundland has been running for over 20 years, and we take pride in our enviable safety record, one of the best in our sport. There have been no major incidents in the last three events. The 2024 rally runs September 12-19.
“Targa has worked hard to achieve an extremely low incident record,” said Targa Newfoundland President Joe Dowden. “We do everything possible to minimize risk. We provide training for the teams, marshals and volunteers, carefully select and inspect the stages, and keep communities well informed. We want everyone involved, including competitors, marshals, volunteers and spectators to have a safe and fun event.”
Safety Measures
Targa organizers choose the stages carefully and drive them multiple times in advance to identify any potential issues and include those in the route book. Speeds are limited for each division and the technical advisor inspects each car to ensure they are safe to compete. The racing only happens on the closed sections of road. Competitors adhere to posted limits for the transit sections. Spectator areas of the closed stages are taped off to keep people at a safe distance and rally officials drive the course ahead of the racing to ensure they do. Targa will have medical personnel on site to respond should anything happen.
Safety Equipment
All competitors, drivers and co-drivers, must wear approved helmets. Fire resistant racing suits are required in Targa 1 and 2 and recommended for other divisions. Roll bars are required for open cars in all divisions and recommended for all cars in Targa 1. Vehicles in Targa 2, the fastest division, must have a roll cage. All vehicles must be equipped with a fire extinguisher(s) and safety triangles.
Driver and Co-Driver Training
The specially created Course Familiarization Program (CFP) prepares drivers and co-drivers before the rally begins. The Targa Driving Skills Review and Practice Session on Day One is mandatory for all teams new to the event. Returning teams are welcome but do not have to attend. Our course is designed for this event to teach each team member their roles and interrelation with each other, hone their teamwork, test their skills, and help them become comfortable in their car.
Day Two is the Stage Review and First Responders and Competitors Meeting, which is mandatory for all teams. During this full-day session, all teams come together to understand the course and the communities they will visit. Each stage is explained in detail, with a focus on their roles and duties as a first responder team that arrives at the scene of an incident. They will also be introduced to the event officials, who will brief the participants on start and finish protocols, good sportsmanship, and the Targa behaviour expectations.
Targa Newfoundland
Since 2002, Targa Newfoundland has attracted professional and amateur racers from around the world. Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of only three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world and the only tarmac rally in North America. This year’s event runs Sept. 12-19. Visit the Targa Newfoundland website for more information about the event, including the stages.
- From Targa Newfoundland
