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| Targa Tasmania | |
|---|---|
| Name | Targa Tasmania |
| Caption | Targa Tasmania competitors on a stage |
| Location | Tasmania, Australia |
| First | 1992 |
| Participants | Competitors from Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Japan |
Targa Tasmania Targa Tasmania is a tarmac-based rally event held on sealed public roads in Tasmania, Australia. Modeled on historic Monte Carlo Rally and inspired by events like the Targa Florio and Rallye Sanremo, it attracts competitors from across Australia and internationally, including teams associated with Porsche Club of America, British Racing Drivers' Club, and privateer entrants. The event combines elements of special stage rallying and historic rallying traditions established by organizations such as the FIA and the Australian Rally Championship.
Targa Tasmania is a multi-day touring and competitive rally organized by the non-profit Targa Tasmania Pty Ltd with support from Tasmanian agencies and local councils like the Sorrell Council and Devonport City Council. The event typically runs over five days and stages resemble those used in the World Rally Championship and Australian state championships. Courses feature closed sections of public roads through regions including Launceston, Hobart, Devonport, Strahan, and Freycinet National Park. Entrants include marques represented by clubs such as the Porsche Club of Australia, MG Car Club, Holden Sporting Car Club, and international teams from United Kingdom, United States, Japan, Italy, and Germany.
The inaugural event in 1992 was organized by former competitors and motorsport administrators influenced by rallies such as Targa Florio and the Safari Rally. Founders included motorsport figures linked to the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport and collaborators from Tasmanian tourism bodies like the Tourism Tasmania. Over the years, sanctioning and technical frameworks referenced standards from the FIA and the Australian Automobile Association. Notable drivers and teams who have participated include entrants associated with Porsche AG, Holden Special Vehicles, Ford Performance Vehicles, and privateers familiar to the British Historic Rally Championship.
Routes change annually, drawing upon Tasmanian highways and local roads such as the Lyell Highway, Arthur Highway, Tasman Highway, Esk Highway, and sections around the Huon Valley and Bridestowe Lavender Farm. Stages vary from short sprint tests to long endurance runs comparable to those seen in the Rallye Monte-Carlo and Tour de Corse. Start and finish ceremonies have been staged at locations like Macquarie Point, Regatta Grounds, and City Park Launceston, with transit sections linking stages much like logistics in the East African Safari Rally.
The event features multiple competition categories inspired by classifications used by the FIA and national authorities: modern competition classes paralleling Group N and Group A homologation concepts, historic categories similar to Historic Rally Championship regulations, and a competition for high-performance sports cars akin to entries seen in the Porsche Carrera Cup. Eligible vehicles range from Porsche 911 variants to Ford Mustang, Datsun 240Z, Alfa Romeo GTV, BMW M3, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Holden Monaro, Toyota Supra, and specialist entries such as Lotus Elise and Caterham Seven derivatives. Class structures accommodate two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive platforms, with separate trophies echoing distinctions in championships like the British GT Championship.
Format mirrors time-trial special stage rallying used in the World Rally Championship: cars depart stages at set intervals, and overall standings are based on cumulative time penalties similar to scoring in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship. Entries must comply with technical scrutineering and documentation procedures akin to those administered by the FIA and national sporting authorities like Motorsport Australia. Competitor requirements include valid competition licenses comparable to those issued by Motorsport UK and medical declarations familiar from FIA event protocols. Penalty structures, route notes, and pace instructions follow conventions seen in historic events such as the Rallye des Alpes.
Safety frameworks draw on standards promulgated by the FIA, Motorsport Australia, and local emergency services including the Tasmania Police and Ambulance Tasmania. Vehicles must meet roll-cage, harness, fire suppression, and helmet standards comparable to FIA Appendix J and national technical regulations used in rallying competitions like the Australian Rally Championship. Stage marshals and medical teams are trained per protocols used at Goodwood Festival of Speed and Le Mans 24 Hours events, with spectator management coordinated with local authorities such as the Tasmanian Fire Service and municipal councils.
The event has seen notable competitor successes and incidents involving vehicles similar to those in historic rallies like the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio. Record performances by drivers in Porsche 911s, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions, and Subaru Imprezas have been documented in event archives. High-profile incidents required responses from Tasmanian Ambulance Service and local hospitals such as Launceston General Hospital and Royal Hobart Hospital, with investigations sometimes involving agencies like the Australian Transport Safety Bureau when broader road safety issues were raised. Competitors from clubs including the Porsche Club of Australia and MG Car Club have set stage records that stand in event history.
Targa Tasmania generates media attention from outlets such as the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), Seven Network, Nine Network, and specialised publications like Motoring Enthusiast Magazine and Top Gear-aligned journalism. The event contributes to Tasmanian tourism campaigns alongside attractions like Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur Historic Site, and Bruny Island promotion, and features in motorsport documentaries and broadcasts similar to coverage of the Goodwood Revival and Le Mans media packages. Community engagement involves local businesses, automotive clubs including the Australian Historic Motor Racing Federation, and international enthusiasts from associations such as the Porsche Club of America and British Racing Drivers' Club.
Category:Motorsport in Tasmania