2023 Targa Tasmania postponed

This year’s Targa Tasmania has officially been rescheduled, with the tarmac rally to now be held in late October, instead of its traditional date in April.

The new date is due to the findings of the ‘Targa Review Panel’ that was appointed by Motorsport Australia in the wake of a competitor fatality at the 2022 Targa Tasmania (and three deaths in 2021) considered unlikely to be complete in time for the event to go ahead in its usual slot.

Even if the results of MA’s review were released soon, there would be very little time to implement the recommendations, so postponing Australia’s premier tarmac rally for six months made the most sense.

“It is disappointing to have to postpone our iconic event, but the reality is that we have no alternative given that Motorsport Australia has not yet released the report,” said Targa Australia CEO, Mark Perry in a statement released on 22 February.

“Targa is important to the motorsport community across Australia and has a special place in the state of Tasmania. It has a wonderful history and now our challenge comes to ensure its future. 

“It will also take time to understand the full ramifications of the Targa Review Panel’s report. 

“Once we have received and reviewed the report thoroughly, we will make further announcements. We will also take the time to assess the full impact on the event and our business before making the required short-, medium- and long-term decisions in the best interests of all our loyal competitors, officials, sponsors and suppliers.

“We are committed to working with all parties on the various challenges that lay ahead, with a view to a return of Targa at Targa Great Barrier Reef from September 1 to 3, with the flagship Targa Tasmania to follow from October 23 to 28, seven weeks later,” Perry concluded. 

Updates on the rescheduled Targa Tasmania and 2023 calendar can be found at: targa.com.au