St. John’s, Newfoundland - Targa Newfoundland roared to a start with the wave of the flag at the ceremonial start this morning at St. John’s City Hall.

 

Drivers and co-drivers from across Canada, the United States, and as far away as Germany are competing on 18 teams this year. They include competitors from four states - Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey – and five provinces - British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, PEI, and across Newfoundland and Labrador.  

 

Over the next six days, teams will race from eastern to north central Newfoundland and back again covering about 2000 km (1240 miles) including about 500 km of stages closed to public traffic. The rally starts along the Atlantic shore with teams challenging the twisty roads through the communities of Witless Bay and Bay Bulls. 

 

Witless Bay is the site of the Prologue, a non-scored leg that allows teams to get used to the rally course and hone their navigating skills. The first scored stage at speed occurs in Bay Bulls.

 

“We’re excited to be back in the Southern Shore area for the first time in over 20 years,” says Robert Giannou, founder of Targa Newfoundland. “These beautiful communities were part of the inaugural rally back in 2002.”  

 

Targa Newfoundland, the only internationally recognized targa rally in North America, runs until Sept. 19 in communities across eastern and north central Newfoundland. 

 

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Witless Bay (Prologue, non-scored), Bay Bulls 

 

Cape Shore, St. Bride’s, Cape St. Mary’s, Long Harbour, Gander  

 

Glenwood, Bobby’s Cove, Pleasantview, Point Leamington, Leading Tickles, Glovers Harbour, Appleton 

 

Eastport, Happy Adventure, Salvage, Burnside, Port Blandford 

 

Weybridge, Hickman’s Harbour, Lower Lance Cove and Petley 

 

Conception Harbour, Colliers, Marysvale, Turks Gut, Georgetown, Brigus 

 

Be a smart spectator. Think Safety.  

Stand at least 15 metres from the road.  

Never stand on the outside of a turn. 

Choose high ground.

Never stand behind red tape. 

Always stand, do not sit down to watch, AND Tell others how to stay safe. 

 

During the week-long rally, Targa will be collecting food bank donations for the 

Community Food Sharing Association at evening car shows at Hickman Chevrolet dealerships in St. John’s (Sept. 14), Gander (Sept. 15 and 16) and Clarenville (Sept. 17 and 18) as well as lunch stops in other communities throughout the week. People attending are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations.  

 

85 Kenmount Road 

Saturday, Sept. 14 

6:30-8:30 p.m. 

 

201 Airport Boulevard  

Sunday, Sept. 15 and Monday, Sept. 16 

6:30-8:30 p.m. 

 

16 Shoal Harbour Drive  

Tuesday, Sept. 17 and Wednesday, Sept. 18 6:30-8:30 p.m.  

 

Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of only three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world.

 

Since 2002, Targa Newfoundland, the ultimate tarmac rally in North America, has attracted professional and amateur racers from around the world. This year’s event runs Sept. 12-19, 2024. Competitors will cover over 2000 km (about 1240 miles) across the island of Newfoundland including about two dozen towns and outports.  

 

 

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