Entries increase for Targa GBR
Image: Angryman Photography
As of early July, entries for the North Queensland tarmac rally were up by 40 per cent, making Targa GBR the the second largest tarmac rally in the world. Everything from an HR Holden to a Nissan GT-R R35 has been entered to date, with more to come. Porsches, Lotuses, Mitsubishis and Subarus dominate the modern class entries so far, with Escorts, Datsuns, Toranas and more featuring in the classic categories.
Scheduled for 30 August to 1 September, the 2019 Targa GBR will revisit familiar territory from the debut year, kicking off with a ceremonial start at the entrance of The Reef Hotel Casino on Friday 30 August. Later that day, the cars will be on show at the Targa Expo at the Cairns Convention Centre from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.
While the actual competition stages for Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September were in the final stages of approval as this issue went to press, the field will again visit the Atherton Tablelands region, while Mareeba will host a section of the event for the first time, including a “lunch break” on Saturday, 31 August. A provisional course will likely have been released by the time you read this.
Last year, more than 25,000 fans flocked to the Esplanade for the Saturday night “TargaFest”, and locals are expected to come out in force again this year to see the field of 270+ cars.
The Official Finish will be held at the Cairns Convention Centre on Sunday, 1 September – an ideal way to spend Father’s Day.
This year’s Targa GBR is expected to inject more than $3 million into the economies of Cairns and surrounding areas in Tropical North Queensland, while showcasing the region and its diverse experiences for future tourist dollars.
Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning OAM says he’s looking forward to seeing the Targa cars back in Cairns.
“Last year’s Targa Great Barrier Reef was a resounding success and fantastic for our region. Thousands came out for Targafest on the Esplanade and images of the Tropical Far North were beamed to a worldwide audience.
“Cairns offers an amazing natural backdrop for major events and there is no better fit than Targa for our region – it’s an iconic car race set against an iconic backdrop and we look forward to its return.”
Targa GBR will also form the third round of the 2019 CAMS Australian Targa Championship.
For entries, schedule and further details, go to: targa.com.au
