Further Targa Troubles in Australia

After safety concerns led to the suspension of all tarmac rallying in the country by Autosport Australia in 2022 pending the publication of a set of recommendations for improving the safety of events and a revision of the regulations, Targa Australia, organiser of many major road rallies in Australia, has once again had to postpone its flagship Targa Tasmania event.  Initially scheduled for 8-13 April 2024, the next Targa Tasmania will now be held  on 28 April-3 May 2025.  The postponement will also include Targa’s other events, Targa Great Barrier Reef and Targa High Country.  Rallying in Australia is very inclusive, and well-known events like Targa Tasmania and the Adelaide Rally traditionally accept cars of all ages.  The difficulties revolve around the inclusion of modern cars and high performance cars in the events, the exclusion of which, say organisers, would make the events not only unviable but also outside the spirit of Australian rally tradition.

Targa CEO, Mark Perry, said he was extremely disappointed about the further postponement but believes it is necessary to ensure a strong event for the future.  “While the further delay of our return will be sad news for thousands of people, we must ensure we get everything right first.  This delay will enable us to finalise a number of key components while also fully supporting the ongoing coronial inquest which should see us in a position to implement all relevant recommendations from this process for the 2025 Targa Tasmania.  Importantly, the Tasmanian State Government has stated its ongoing commitment to Targa Tasmania by providing a further extension to its current five-year agreement for the blue-chip event.  This agreement will now cover 2025 to 2029 reassuring all those involved that the Government and Tasmanians clearly want the event to continue for many years to come,” he reported.

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