Targa goes to Queensland

Targa Australia has announced a new addition to its tarmac rally calendar - the ‘Targa Great Barrier Reef’.

The first Targa to be held in Queensland, Targa Great Barrier Reef (Targa GBR) will be based in Cairns and run from 31 August to 2 September, 2018, as part of a three-year deal between Targa Australia, Tourism & Events Queensland and Cairns Regional Council.

Targa GBR will cover more than 800 kilometres in total, with 200 kilometres of timed sections across fifteen competitive stages. These timed sections include exciting roads around Cairns and Port Douglas, with Innisfail and the Atherton Tablelands also on the itinerary, as well as what organisers say is the largest Street Stage ever, which will run through central Cairns.

Cairns will also host ‘Targafest’, where the competing cars will be on public display, while regional towns on the route will host each day’s lunch stop, bringing benefits to those towns and a number of local charities.

Around 200 cars are expected to take part in the inaugural event, with entries now open. Targa GBR will also be a points-scoring round in the CAMS Australian Targa Championship.

Targa Australia Director, Mark Perry, says he’s excited about the possibilities that the addition of Targa GBR to the Australian Targa calendar offers, including attracting international competitors.

“Targa is renowned for showcasing and bringing awareness to many of Australia’s iconic and important World Heritage Areas and will continue to do so with Targa Great Barrier Reef in highlighting the beauty and importance of preserving the Tropical North Queensland region.

“Being part of a national championship will ensure all the top cars and factory teams are present, and they boast some incredible automotive pedigree and some absolutely awesome drivers.

“I’m sure many competitors will be drawn to this new event and others will enter now they have an event closer to home, along with also tapping into the lucrative Asian market, due to the ease of travelling to Cairns,” Perry added.

For entry information, itinerary and further details, go to: targa.com.au