Targa NZ introduces the original Targa style event which was the way Targa events used to run in New Zealand and still do in other countries, to be known as ‘Retro Targa’.
Retro Targa is based on minimum stage times with a points allocation system to determine the results. Cars will still be timed and the actual stage times will be displayed but the results will be based on a points system similar to a time trail, so it is like a hybrid of time trial and rally. This division is in addition to the current Targa Competition and has been designed to cater for participants who want to exercise their vehicle but reduce the risk with the aim to try and encourage older vehicles back out of the sheds. It is open to all competition vehicles but primarily aimed at older cars that are not capable of reaching 200kph so we have set the speed limit at 160kph.
A minimum stage time will be set for each stage with the average stage speed varying depending on the stage. These minimums will become harder to achieve throughout the event. Points will be allocated at 1 point per one second over the minimum time but no penalties for being under the set time. However the maximum points allocated if you miss a stage or are slower than the minimum will be capped at 120 points. Winners will be based on the lowest accumulation of points during the event.
For clarification, current participants competing in the ‘Targa Classic Competition’ at speeds up to 200kph will still be able to do so and we will continue to recognise them separately from those participants competing in the ‘Targa Modern Competition’.
We are trying to encourage more people to join Targa and with a number of the older cars not being able to reach 200kph this provides them with another option to come and enjoy some of the best roads in the world.
You now have more options on how to participate in any Targa NZ events. From the Targa Tour, Retro Targa, Targa Competition and Targa VCC Time Trial, so what are you waiting for?
2023 Dates
Targa Bambina – 17-19 March 2023
Targa Hawkes Bay – 19-21 May 2023
Targa NZ – 23-28 October 2023