For the first time in Targa Tasmania’s 17 year history, participation in the event regarded as the world’s most exciting and challenging car rally can now be arranged through a UK specialist tour operator, Grandstand Motor Sports.
Each April Tasmania hosts an international classic rally on closed roads taking in much of the wilderness island. This year Targa Tasmania takes place between 15 and 20 April, and is considered a unique opportunity for owners of sports cars and GTs to open up the throttle and drive in the way their vehicles were designed to be driven.
Tasmania, the world’s most mountainous island and home to the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, will host 300 touring, sports and GT cars. They will compete over six days and in front of 200,000 spectators, across 2000 km on some of the most exciting and challenging closed tarmac roads in the world.
In true Targa tradition, there is no prize money, just the thrill of competing and the honour of receiving a magnificent trophy.
Grandstand Motor Sports is offering several options for participants and spectators to enjoy the race. Two are geared towards serious car enthusiasts wishing to compete in the event, either in their own car or in a hired car. The third option is for those wishing to participate in the non-competitive ‘Touring Rally’. Finally, the ‘Ultimate Spectators Tour’ is available for friends and family wishing to cheer on their drivers, or just soak up the atmosphere of the rally.
The ‘Arrive & Drive’ option is the easiest way for UK competitors to enter the race. They simply hire a race-ready car with full service package, turn up in Tasmania, and compete. A customised race prepared BMW 1 series costs from £1,600 per day with event entry fees costing from £850 for the ‘Rookie Rally’ and up to £2,975 for the ‘Modern Rally’.
Those wishing to compete in their own car can also do so with minimum hassle. Working with one of the world’s leading logistics operators, Grandstand Motor Sports will arrange to have the vehicle shipped from the UK to Melbourne, and on to Tasmania across Bass Strait, in virtually a ‘one-stop-shop operation’ that cuts out almost all the complicated red tape. A customised race entry package will be quoted based on the vehicle, Targa entry fees, and travel and accommodation in Tasmania, which costs from £475 per person.
The ‘Ultimate Spectator Tour’ costs £1,949 per person, based on eight nights’ twin share accommodation, car hire and flights with from the UK, with options to spend longer in Tasmania or elsewhere in Australia. All Targa Tasmania’s events, such as the welcome and farewell parties, are included, and route details and event timings are supplied.
The last day for shipping cars from the UK to guarantee arrival in time for the event is 24 February.
For further information call Grandstand Motor Sports on 0845 375 0300 or visitgrandstandmotorsports.co.uk/targa for details of packages and to download a booking form.
