Targa New Zealand

The Targa New Zealand is a road rally held annually on public roads throughout the North Island of New Zealand using around 1500km of touring and 750km of closed special stages. [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10531427]

Originally intended as an event for owners of classic performance cars to display and race their vehicles, it has evolved into a serious competition event with modern purpose built race cars usually taking top honours.

The race started in 1995 [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10531427] and continually growing in popularity with over 200 cars entering the 2005 Dunlop sponsored Targa rally.

Racing is divided into classes to give everyone a chance of honours of some sort. These classes are based around age and engine size of the vehicles. Younger drivers are encouraged to compete in a controlled manner in a safe environment. Crashes happen but it is a very low percentage. Race cars need to have roll cages and safety gear except the Narva Targa tour for first-time competitors. They drive under the guidance of the Narva tour leader. Local groups providing hospitality areas, fundraising activities such as car washes, barbecues and 4000 lunches. [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10531427]

Classes
*Historic
*Pre-classic
*Classic
*Post classic
*Metalman super classics
*Metalman all-comers
*Early modern
*Honda riders contemporary
*Super GT

Past winners

Well known Targa entrants

*Jim Richards
*Tony Quinn
*Chris Amon
*Murray Walker
*Peter Brock
*Grant Dalton
*Steve Millen
* Adam Spence

External links

* [http://www.targa.co.nz/ Targa Rally of New Zealand]
* [http://www.RedMX5.com/ Race team in Targa New Zealand]