New format for 2023 Targa High Country

Targa and Motorsport Australia (MA) have announced that Targa High Country, the Victorian leg of the national Targa tarmac rally series, will go ahead in 2023, but in a new format.

The uncertainty over the future of Targa High Country - and Targa rallies in general - came in the wake of fatalities at last year’s Targa Tasmania that prompted a review by MA. But following what’s been described as ‘cohesive discussions’ between Targa organisers and MA, Targa High Country will go ahead on 11-12 February, but in a Rallysprint-style format.

The new format will utilise a trio of eight-kilometre stages on the Mt. Buller Road, with three runs over each stage daily. That means competitors will cover 130 competitive kilometres across the two days. Each day will be classed as a separate competition, giving entrants the option to compete on either day, or both days, as normal.

Overall competition winners will be crowned on Sunday, 12 February, based on points scored over both days, and the event will see the return of Targa’s long-used base time penalty scoring system. 

Documentation, scrutineering, briefings, and the welcome party will be held on Friday, 10 February at Mt. Buller. (NOTE: Competitor entries closed on 31 January. More details at: www.targa.com.au).

Seven class competitions (four full speed and three speed-limited) will be run. GT Outright and Classic GT are not approved for Targa High Country its new format, but Classic GT vehicles which meet the Classic technical regulations may enter, while GT Outright cars can take part in the Targa High Country Tour. 

The new format will have no effect on TARGAfest in Mansfield, nor the Targa High Country Tour, where participants can join the competition field at the end of Sunday for a run up Mt. Buller. 

“We have remained committed to, and focused on, working with the Motorsport Australia Review Panel to ensure the future success of the sport and our business,” said Targa CEO, Mark Perry. “It has taken months of work to complete the review, but as 2022 ended, the already delayed running of Targa High Country looked in serious doubt. 

“We are now relieved that we can offer our customers the opportunity to get some competitive kilometres under their belts.  We felt it was important, especially for those planning to compete in Targa Tasmania, to give everyone an opportunity to drive their cars in a competitive environment as soon as possible.”         

Following Targa High Country on 11-12 February, Targa Tasmania is scheduled as a “full event” for 17-22 April.