Targa New Zealand Explained

The Targa New Zealand is a tarmac rally held annually on public roads typically throughout the North Island of New Zealand. The main Targa each year begins in the last week of October and is a week-long event which covers around 1500 km of touring and 750 km of closed special stages. [1] Smaller one- or two-day events are usually run during the year and have been variously titled Targa Bambina, Targa Dash, Targa Rotorua, Targa Tauranga and Targa Hawkes Bay.In 2014 Targa New Zealand for the first time was held in the South Island of New Zealand. Starting in Christchurch and finishing in Cromwell (Near Queenstown) the rally included every South Island race track including New Zealand's latest - Highlands Motorsport Park.Noticeable stages included Queenstown's Crown Range which is understood to be one of New Zealand's highest altitude public roads.

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 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 Targa tour for first-time competitors. They drive under the guidance of the tour leader. Local groups providing hospitality areas, fundraising activities such as car washes, barbecues and 4000 lunches.

Classes for Early Targa Events

Classes for Current Targa Events

Classic 2WD

Production (GT2) 2WD

Production (GT4) 4WD

Allcomers (Extreme) 2WD and 4WD

Past winners

YearDriverCo-driverCar
1995Greg Graham, Team Subaru NZJeff JuddWRX Subaru
1996Greg Graham, Team Subaru NZColin SmithWRX Subaru
1997Geoff Ray,Shayne O'HagenMitsubishi Evo
1998Geoff Ray,Shayne O'HagenMitsubishi Evo
1999Chris Ramsay,Laurie BrenssellMitsubishi Evo
2000Greg Kirkham,Mal ClarkMitsubishi Mirage
2001Craig Dean,Shane BeaumontFord Mustang
2002Anton TallottAnne TallottMazda RX-7
2003Tony QuinnKeith WennPorsche 996 Turbo
2004Jim RichardsBarry OliverPorsche GT3
2005Jim RichardsBarry OliverPorsche GT3
2006Joe McAndrewSue O'NeilNissan Skyline GT-R R34
2007Joe McAndrewSue O'NeilNissan Skyline GT-R R34
2008Richard MasonSara MasonSubaru Impreza STI
2009Tony QuinnNaomi TillettNissan GT-R R35
2010Tony QuinnNaomi TillettNissan GT-R R35
2011Tony QuinnNaomi TillettNissan GT-R R35
2012Tony QuinnNaomi TillettNissan GT-R R35
2013Martin DippieJona GrantPorsche GT3 RS
2014Glenn InksterSpencer WinnMitsubishi Evo 9
2015Glenn InksterSpencer WinnMitsubishi Evo 9
2016Glenn InksterSpencer WinnMitsubishi Evo 9
2017Glenn InksterSpencer WinnMitsubishi Evo 8
2018Glenn InksterSpencer WinnMitsubishi Evo 8
2019Haydn MackenzieMatthew SayersMitsubishiLancer EVO X RS
2020---
2021---
2022Cameron RossMatthew BuerSubaru Impreza

Multiple Winners

Driver

WinsDriver Years
5 Tony Quinn(2003, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
Glenn Inkster(2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
2 Greg Graham(1995, 1996)
Geoff Ray(1997, 1998)
Jim Richards(2004, 2005)
Joe McAndrew(2006, 2007)

Co-Driver

WinsCo-Driver Years

Manufacturer

WinsManufacturer Years
10Mitsubishi(1997-2000, 2014-2019)
6Nissan(2006-2007, 2009-2012)
4Porsche(2003-2005, 2013)
4Subaru(1995-1996, 2008, 2022)

Well known Targa entrants

References

  1. News: Everything goes at Targa. New Zealand Herald. 2008-09-10. 2016-01-07. 1170-0777. en-NZ. Eric. Thompson.

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