The 2008 Targa Tasmania is the 17th running of Australia's ultimate tarmac rally.

Through the generous support of Events Tasmania and the support of Pure Tasmania, the event continues to attract a top field of classic and modern cars.

The iconic Targa Tasmania wouldn’t be starting on April 15 if it wasn’t for people like Ron and Marcia Brown of Hobart.

Internationally known as Australia’s leading tarmac rally, the five-day event features the largest classic field in the country and attracts competitors from around the world.

But if it wasn’t for the volunteers, Targa would never have made it to 2008 when it celebrates its 17th anniversary.

Ron and Marcia Brown were there at the start of the first Targa in 1992.

“We started as spectator marshals,” Ron said. “We then went into support services in 1994 and Marsha became deputy to me in 1998.”

The success of Targa means a lot to the Browns.

“It’s phenomenal for Tasmania and we are proud to support it.”

The growth of the rally has been great for competitors and locals, but for officials and volunteers it means more work, helping motorsport legends like Jim Richards, Peter Brock, Hollywood celebrities like Eric Bana and lots of ordinary Australians get to the finish line every year.

“It’s a full time job for us,” Marcia said. “We go through each stage before the cars do, so we don’t get to see them until the finish in Hobart.”

The retired couple now live in Bothwell, but when March kicks in, they move back to their Hobart home to help out with the logistics of organising the biggest event in Australia’s tarmac rallying calendar.