The World’s Greatest Classic Motor Sports Event celebrates its 15th Anniversary
2006 is the 15th anniversary of Targa Tasmania - one of the world’s true classic motor sports events and the ultimate motor sports management challenge. An annual six-day event, Targa Tasmania attracts some 300 competitors from around the world. Classic, vintage and modern cars – ranging from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche to Bugati and Rolls Royce - race at 30 second intervals over a course that spans the wilderness island of Tasmania over six days, across 2000km of the world's most challenging roads - through temperate rainforest, mountains, glacial valleys and along pristine beaches.
Created to utilise the exceptional and unique features of Tasmania – of which more than 40% of the landmass is protected – Targa Tasmania is held every year at the end of the summer season to support its tourism industry. More than a spectacular motor sports competition, Targa Tasmania is a total event run in the context of a public festival.
This is an unparalleled opportunity for visitors to see great motor sports action in the most extraordinary of settings. Unlike most rallies, Targa Tasmania is run directly in front of the public; it is entirely open to public spectators and under public scrutiny, with about 200,000 viewing the rally from various strategic spectator points; many travel to Tasmania to watch it every year, with millions more viewing it on television.
Many famous personalities have participated in the rally, including Stirling Moss and Barry Sheene. However, the competition is held purely for the thrill and for ‘targa’ (plate) trophies – there are no monetary awards.
Tasmania is a fantastic self-drive destination with several different eco-zones within a relatively compact space. The island is now attracting over 33,000 British visitors a year, largely to experience the dramatic and pristine wilderness. Targa is the pinnacle of Tasmania’s driving experience but it is conducted on public roads, so visitors can literally follow the Targa Trail.
As well as watching Targa from the front door steps and spectator points, the ‘Ultimate Spectator Tour’ enables visitors to get involved at the very heart of the rally. The tour includes eight nights accommodation in Tasmania, car hire for eight days in a Mitsubishi Lancer, corporate hospitality including fabulous food and wines at four functions, such as entry to the official events and ceremonies including the winners’ party, rubbing shoulders with the competitors and sponsors, and prime viewing spots for the various different stages of the rally, and much more. The cost, excluding airfares, is AU$1,660 per person (approx £710.00) based on two sharing.
Further information visit targatasmania.com and for further information on visiting Tasmania visit discovertasmania.com
