TARGA Tasmania open for business
The wait is over for prospective drivers, co-drivers, and officials, with the application process now open for the returning TARGA Tasmania on November 16-21, as well as access to the new technical and sporting regulations.
Alongside the new technical regulations, organisers have also released the stipulations for the mandatory 9 hour TARGA Academy Course, held pre-event over two days between November 14-15.
The date marks two years, forty-nine weeks and two days since the last tarmac classic was run at the Apple Isle, with the organisers having drafted an all new set of regulations and the entire framework that will see the event prosper well into the future.
With the continual backing of the Tasmanian government which includes a five year deal and the coroners report having been received, it means the organisers could finally pull the trigger on returning “The Ultimate Tarmac Rally” back into the realm of public consciousness.
“After nearly three years and numerous mountains to climb, the moment has come when applications to enter Targa Tasmania have arrived,” TARGA CEO Mark Perry said.
“We are beyond excited at the prospect of the event returning with a new vision and new innovations, to ensure that it has many exciting years ahead as the world’s ultimate tarmac rally.
“The years of work by a large number of people has been worth it, this event is worth saving, everyone knows this! Now the future of Targa Tasmania is in the hands of those who wish to take part.
“We can’t wait to see everyone from the Targa family back in Tasmania in November for the first-ever spring running of Targa Tasmania – The Ultimate Tarmac Rally.”
Whilst the full technical regulations and Academy guidelines can be found on the TARGA website (www.targa.com.au) here’s a brief rundown to some of the changes made:
The first event back will be capped at 300 vehicles (100 Competition and 200 Tour Vehicles max), whilst annual licences will no longer be issued, replaced with the ‘Blue Chips’ issued for the event based on meeting the required eligibility, medical fitness criteria, completion of course reconnaissance (all competition crews must complete at least one run over every stage of the event) in line with requirements and, attendance in full of the Targa Academy.
The nine competition options will also be capped at the following limits:
130km/h (Trophy), 160km/h (Cup) & 190km/h (Supercup) covering the three age periods, Classic (1946 to 1988), Early Modern (1989 to 2007) and Modern (2008 to 2025).
And whilst the maximum speed has been reduced to 190km/h for the Supercup, the Cup limit will be 160km/h, with the average speed on each Targa stage set at 125km/h.
Tyre Specifications.
R specification (racetrack style tyres) are no longer allowed, with the approved list shown in the technical and sporting regulations, whilst entrants will be allowed four spare tyres without penalty, with a time penalty applied in each instance thereafter.
Ride height.
A minimum ride height of 100mm has also been introduced for all competition vehicles regardless of competition entered, whilst there are also updated safety cage regulations for all 160km/h & 190km/h speed limited vehicles to current specifications, as shown in the regulation guide.
Data collection
All competition vehicles must also be fitted with forward facing cameras for the purposes of review by Targa officials as required, whilst each entry will carry a working RallySafe unit whilst on course.
Wet stage times
When “damp” or “wet” stages arise, standard base time and Trophy times will be adjusted accordingly, with a “Wet” stage speed set at a max of 140km/h across the 160-190 km/h competitions, 110km/h in the 130km/h, and a 100km/h for Targa Tour.
Australia’s ultimate tarmac rally is back in November
Low Speed Areas (LSA) has also been introduced to replace restricted time zones, designed to
regulate speed in known high speed sections, as well as Speed Limited Sections (SLS) designed to limit speed on specific sections of road of high-risk objects such as large trees, running
water or ponds, poles, unprotected drops and steep terrain in the event of a vehicle leaving the road. And there will also be Black Spot to indicate areas where multiple incidents have occurred over the years.
Minimum age for competitors and Fitness to compete
To compete in TARGA Tasmania all competitors must be a minimum age of 18, whilst all are required to submit a medical letter/clearance written and signed by their AHPRA registered doctor, showing all current medications and confirming that he or she is medically fit to compete in the event.
Targa Academy Course
All entrants will be briefed on all Targa elements including responsibilities, rule changes, In Vehicle Safety, driving, co-driving, medical procedures, signage training, and more.
And for Physical training, all competition crews will traverse a pre-set section of closed road that will contain a Stage Start, medical incident procedures, all on course signage and safety zone types, potential hazards on a stage (gravel, loose road surface) and Stage Stop Points.
Up until May 2 from 5pm to 10pm, there will also be an out of hours phone service to assist in getting interested parties up to speed with all of the changes. At that date, you can phone 03 6144 9504, or email [email protected]
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