New tech regs, class structures coming for Targa rallies
Class structures will also be adjusted for the coming year, with an all-new electric vehicle class to be introduced in 2021.
The changes include the Classic category being split into ‘Classic’ for pre-1990 2WD cars and ‘Classic GT’ for pre-’90 4WD cars. Similarly, Early Modern will be split into ‘Early Modern 2’ and ‘Early Modern 4’ for 2WD and 4WD cars, respectively.
Conversely, GT2 and GT4 will become one category, with results split on the basis of Outright (GTO) and Production (GTP), but GTP cars will be eligible to place and win the GTO competition. Other rules relating to vehicle eligibility will also be adopted for this class.
Thoroughbred Trophy will become a handicap-based competition in 2020 to align it more closely with the traditional Classic competition.
Technical changes in Classic include the merging of existing MS and LMS rules, free choice of differential and the allowance of alternate manual transmissions. Classic GT will allow late-model replacement engines, gearboxes and diffs, with new capacity limits based on engine cylinders. Sequential gearboxes will also be allowed in this class from 2020, as well as 18x9-inch wheels, while the existing engine capacity limits for Porsches will be removed.
From 2020, Early Modern 2 and Early Modern 4 will remove the previous minimum production number requirement, with merging of the SS, LMS & MS specifications for greater simplicity. Additionally, free choice of brakes, including booster, associated parts and pedals will be applied.
Minimum production numbers will also be removed from GTO and GTP, along with an adjustment to minimum weight limits and free choice of wiring looms and brakes.
No limits will be applied to radiators or battery location in GTO and GTP, while 18-inch wheels will be allowed, fuel tanks can be replaced and centre consoles removed. From 2020, this class will also allow spoilers, skirts and undertrays from factory-made derivatives of the same vehicle.
Targa Australia says the changes will not only allow more modifications to be made to vehicles for competition, but also see more vehicle makes and models, old and new, eligible to compete.
In 2021, Targa Tasmania’s 30th Anniversary, a GT Electric (GTE) category will be introduced, marking a new era for Targa competition. A number of manufacturers have already committed to GTE following this announcement.
The full list of technical regulations for 2020, along with more information on the upcoming class structures, can be found at https://targa.com.au/tc/
