The ink has barely dried on this year’s Targa Newfoundland scoring sheets but the planning process for the 2014 edition of the world renowned event is already well underway. Topping the list of priorities for Targa’s organizers is a return appearance at the Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News. The eighth annual CME takes place February 7-9 at Toronto’s International Centre.
Discussing the announcement, Targa President Robert Giannou said, “2014 will mark the fourth consecutive appearance of the Targa Newfoundland organization at the Canadian Motorsports Expo. It’s become a cornerstone of our annual marketing program. The CME is Canada’s pre-eminent motorsport show and we feel fortunate to be able to use this as the kick-off event for our promotional program.”
Giannou continued, “This is where real fans go to get in touch with true race cars and the best racing series and events. We had a great time at the CME last year and came away with several new entrants because of it.”
Targa Newfoundland is the only race of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere (the others are in Tasmania and New Zealand). It’s a six day, 2,000-kilometre road race that winds its way through 72 communities along the open roads of Canada’s ruggedly beautiful ocean province.
There are three separate divisions running in the Targa Newfoundland, with the Targa Class, a full on racing event, incorporating Classic, Modern and Open divisions, joining Grand Touring, a full-on, rallying class. The third division is the Fast Tour class, a non-competitive, high-speed cruise for owners of exotic vehicles that follows the identical route utilized by the competitors.
For the 2014 CME, the Targa Newfoundland display is expected to feature several racing vehicles, representing all three of the event’s divisions. Personnel from the Targa organizing committee will be on hand throughout the show to answer questions. They will also host a public seminar to outline additional details for those interested in taking part. Giannou will also participate, for the second year in a row, in the on-stage ‘road racing’ panel discussion.
Discussing the seminar, Giannou said, “The seminar will focus on what is required to enter the Targa, and what car types fit in which division. But we’re also going to deal with the ‘myth versus reality’ of the Targa. At its core, it is challenging competition conducted in a scenic and entertaining environment. Part of our goal, at the CME, will be to show people just how much fun Targa is and that it is a very safe event, both for individuals and their vehicles.”
The goal for Targa Newfoundland is, of course, to win the division and / or to achieve a coveted Targa Plate and the bragging rights and personal enjoyment that goes with it. During its first 12 years, such notables as Chrysler development and design guru Ralph Gilles, past Canadian driving champion Eppie Wietzes, journalist Jim Kenzie, television personalities Dennis Gage and the Trailer Park Boys have taken part in the event.
Concludes Giannou, “Our registrations for 2014 are already ahead of the numbers we saw last year; we’re in line for another great event. We’re looking forward to speaking with a lot of racing and automotive enthusiasts, at the CME, to let them know how they can be part of something that will create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Discussing Targa’s return to the CME, show promoter David Weber said, “Robert Giannou and his team have built something truly special. We are honoured that the CME is part of their promotional efforts. We encourage every racer and fan at the show to chat with them – at their booth or in their seminar – about how they can be part of this incredible event in a beautiful part of Canada.”
ABOUT TARGA NEWFOUNDLAND: The 2014 Targa Newfoundland will take place from September 14-19. Following a short ‘shakedown’ event just outside St. John’s, the race will run 2,000 kilometres through Newfoundland before ending five days later back in the provincial capital.
Information regarding the 2014 Targa Newfoundland, including entry forms and a description of the pre-event racing schools, can be found on their website, www.targanewfoundland.com, or by telephone, toll-free at (877) 332-2413.
ABOUT THE CME: The 8th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News takes place February 7, 8 & 9, 2014 at Toronto’s International Centre, adjacent to Pearson International Airport. The show features motorsport content geared to racers, fans and automotive enthusiasts. NASCAR Sprint Cup racer Ryan Newman will be at the CME on Saturday, February 8. For information about the show, including news, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, call (416) 962-7223, or email info@CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com. The CME’s website is located at www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.
