TARGA is saddened this week to hear of the passing of Allan Horsley.
Allan’s legacy has been talked about a lot in the motorsport media in recent days, and TARGA CEO Mark Perry paid tribute to Allan’s legacy and his contribution to TARGA Tasmania.
“His passion for the event led to the single biggest manufacturer program directly involved in TARGA,” Perry said.
“A program that delivered great success to Mazda over many years with both the RX-7SP and the RX8-SP, which was specifically designed for TARGA competition. These cars still compete in TARGA in the hands of their current owners.
“Allan’s passion and vision for TARGA led to things like the Showroom competition and his mentoring of myself and Stuart Benson will never be forgotten by either of us.
“For me, it was a rare privilege in my own journey to spend quality time with Allan Horsley. Extremely competitive but kind, Allan always had the time to share his experience with you to ensure the ongoing success of TARGA Tasmania.
“They were special times and whilst Mazda never quite made it to an outright win at TARGA Tasmania, it wasn’t through a lack of trying with a little lady luck never going their way.
“Ten years on since Allan retired, and TARGA has not seen anything like it since and is unlikely to in the future.
“In recent years, Allan would send me regular emails pointing out the crazier side of the world we now live in and they never failed to deliver some laughs. I along with many others will miss Allan and may he always rest in peace.
Sincere condolences to Allan’s family and friends.”
SPIRIT OF TARGA ANNOUNCED
On the weekend of 9 to 11 February 2024, two months before TARGA Tasmania, we will be holding our first ever Spirit of TARGA conference weekend at Mt Buller!
The Spirit of TARGAA conference will be held in conjunction with the fantastic events team at Mt. Buller, who have also been feeling the sadness of TARGA’s absence, and we thank them for their support and energy in bringing this new concept to life.
What is the Spirit of TARGA all about? It is about catching up with old friends over a meal and a wine. It is about learning from each other as to how you have dealt with the tough times, supporting each other, and how we will move forward to a bright future. It will also be a great opportunity for you to have direct input into TARGA’s future and hear from me about what has happened, how we got here and what we have planned for 2024 and beyond. There will also be the largest Q&A session ever undertaken by TARGA.
Naturally, any weekend away must be fun too!
It will kick off on the Friday night with a Welcome Party where you can have a few more drinks than usual knowing that this is a TARGA event where .00 is not part of the rules. After the party, the TARGA Bar will be open with live music and classic old party tapes on rotation on the various screens around the bar.
Saturday will see a presentation by myself and others of all the rule changes and their reasons for introduction followed by an extensive Q&A session to ensure complete transparency and knowledge before our return. I will also present the long-term business plan for TARGA, which will include the announcement of an exciting new event not seen in Australia before. It will be worth coming just to get the scoop…
This will be followed by a long lunch to give everyone plenty of time to catch up and enjoy the amazing panoramic views on offer at the top of Mt. Buller.
Saturday night will see a dinner held with panel interviews and entertainment, followed by a few beers in the TARGA Bar.
Sunday will see a casual brunch held in the Village Square with bacon and eggs aplenty along with great coffee to say your goodbyes and depart Mt. Buller for home.
Below are some answers to the basic questions:
Who is invited? Everyone who has a connection to TARGA; competitors & participants past and present, officials, service crews, families, and friends.
Do you need to come for the entire weekend? No, this weekend is flexible, and you can attend as much or as little as you like. We will release a full itinerary in the weeks ahead to help you plan your trip.
How much will the conference cost? The only costs will be what you eat and drink throughout the weekend. All other associated activities will be provided by TARGA and Mt. Buller. As each meal will sell out, we will be taking pre-bookings and payments. Bookings will open for these in the weeks ahead.
Do I need to bring my TARGA car? If you wish to, but we have set this event up to enable you to fly to Melbourne and hire a car if you’re coming from interstate to make it much easier to attend. The Spirit of TARGA conference is about TARGA people, not TARGA cars. Once you arrive there will be no further need to drive until you leave, enabling you to enjoy the festivities more than usual.
We hope that many of you will take this opportunity to enjoy a fun weekend with like-minded friends, to show what TARGA means to so many people. Get your friends together, book one of the amazing apartments on offer and enjoy a fun weekend away ‘on top of the world’ at Mt. Buller.
Two weeks on from TARGA’s announcements regarding the 2023 events and future of TARGA in 2024, we have been overwhelmed with the support, well wishes and crucial conversations happening amongst the Australian tarmac rally community.
The TARGA team has been working hard behind the scenes to start rolling out key pieces of information to excite everyone on the journey ahead.
Today sees the release of the course for the 2024 TARGA Tasmania with five new stages included, along with the return of three others from many years ago.
There will be 37 stages in total (3 of these warm up) covering just over 500 competitive kilometres.
We have combined the previous reconnaissance information with Version 1 of the road book to provide prospective entrants with a level of detail never provided this early before, which will hopefully assist drivers and navigators to get more out of the course reconnaissance and in turn better prepare for the event in April. It will also provide us with great early feedback to fix errors, omissions and add detail to the road book to ensure the end version used at the event is world class in every way.
Stay tuned for the Event Regulations coming next week, and entries opening soon after that.
A special mention to the Tarmac Rally Competitors Association of Australia for their letter of support to Jeremy Rockliff MP, the Premier of Tasmania, following his recent endorsement and support of TARGA Tasmania’s return in 2024.
Letter from the TRCAA to Tasmanian Premier
TARGA AUSTRALIA SUSPENDS EVENTS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
14 July 2023
TARGA Australia has today announced that it will suspend all future motorsport-based events until the full ramifications of Motorsport Australia’s review into tarmac rallying can be quantified and assessed. This means that the 2023 editions of TARGA Tasmania and TARGA Great Barrier Reef have today been cancelled.
The safety review process has been going for 15 months, and with many more months ahead before all the details are released and implemented, there is still too much uncertainty for all stakeholders.
The uncertainty and the lengthy review process has seen a record drop in entry numbers. The reduction of the TARGA Tour speed to just 110km/h has seen the withdrawal of over 80% of tour participants in the part of the event which has sustained TARGA’s commercial viability in recent years.
Due to these unprecedented challenges, TARGA Australia has advised Motorsport Australia that they can no longer align their business with the governing body and will not seek a contract renewal on future events run by TARGA Australia.
TARGA will now take the time needed to assess what the future holds for one of the world’s largest motorsport event providers.
It is not the first time that TARGA has taken a different direction to running its events. In 2007, TARGA left the then-called Confederation of Australia Motor Sport (CAMS) and ran TARGA Tasmania for four years with the Australian Auto Sport Alliance (AASA) until 2011, before returning to Motorsport Australia under a new agreement, which ensured TARGA’s viability. During this period, both TARGA and the AASA grew substantially with new TARGA events added to Tasmania (TARGA Wrest Point) and Victoria (TARGA High Country) to complement the world’s largest tarmac rally, TARGA Tasmania.
“Our events can only be run with the support of our loyal participants, and on the whole, they are understandably disenchanted with the current landscape, and we completely understand why,” said TARGA CEO Mark Perry.
“We have waited and been incredibly patient with the process put in place, however this process has now taken a year longer than similar reviews in the past.
“Competitors have little certainty with what the future looks like for them and are rightly holding off on entering our events. In turn, we have had to make the difficult but necessary decision to cancel our 2023 events and undertake our own review and assessment on the future viability of our iconic rallies.
“While it is another sad day for everyone involved in TARGA, we must now explore every conceivable option available to us to ensure the survival of TARGA and the return of the ultimate tarmac rally, TARGA Tasmania in April 2024”.
TARGA Australia will make further announcements as they are finalised.
TARGA GREAT BARRIER REEF & RE-SCHEDULED TARGA TASMANIA CANCELLED
14 July 2023
The 2023 TARGA Great Barrier Reef, scheduled for 1-3 September, and the re-scheduled 2023 TARGA Tasmania, set down for 23-28 October, have today been cancelled.
Despite assurances that the sport would be back up and running by 1 July, the safety review panel process is now into its fifteenth month, leaving the sport of tarmac rallying without a clear future direction at this point in time.
With the large-scale events just seven weeks and three months away respectively, organisers TARGA Australia have been left with no choice but to cancel its iconic motorsport events to the disappointment of competitors, sponsors, officials and all the TARGA fans across Australia and around the world.
“We have waited and been incredibly patient with the process but there are still a number of outstanding issues that are yet to be resolved,” said Mark Perry, TARGA CEO. “Given we need certainty well in advance of running these events, we have no other choice other than to cancel our 2023 events.”
“Competitors are also waiting on a clear direction of what the future looks like for them, so are rightly holding off on entering our events. This in turn has forced us to cancel our 2023 events, after postponing TARGA Tasmania earlier in the year to hopefully give the process more time to be effectively implemented.
“We have sincerely tried as hard as we can to ensure the return of TARGA this year. It is another sad day for everyone involved in TARGA.
“We will now focus on an exciting return of TARGA Tasmania in its traditional place on the calendar from 8 to 13 April 2024” Perry said.
TARGA Official Spotlight: Emma Hill
Emma Hill has had numerous roles at TARGA since her first event in 2018, including roles as a Vehicle Tracker and Assistant Safety Manager.
She first joined the TARGA family alongside her soon-to-be husband Josh, who is now TARGA’s Operations Manager.
From pulling pranks on actor Shane Jacobson, to a TARGA Great Barrier Reef marriage proposal, Emma’s had plenty of unforgettable adventures on the road, and can’t wait to make more at TARGA events to come – with their new son Carter in tow!
What was your very first TARGA event like & how did you get involved?
My very first TARGA was TARGA North West 2018, an event that doesn’t run anymore. It was fast passed and got me hooked into the car world of TARGA . I got involved in it as my hubby had been a volunteer for years and when we first got together he asked if I wanted to come along and help out so I did and I have been involved in all events since except for High Country.
What is your fondest memory of TARGA?
Meeting Shane Jacobson. Team Hill, as it was back then, liked to have a bit of fun and as Shane has had many acting roles, each day of the 2021 TARGA Tasmania event we gave him a gift to remind him of his illustrious career.
A penguin for Oddball, a g-string signed by the team for the Full Monty, and a plunger for Kenny.
Oh and my husband proposed to me while we were in Cairns for TGBR – the most romantic thing he has ever done. We may have made the party tape thanks to Stridey.
What is a TARGA moment or story you’ll never forget?
There are soo many moments and stories that I can’t tell them all – what happens on an event stays on an event hehe but let’s just say the journey from one stage to another can be long and arduous, but never dull with the banter and songs made up from exhaustion of the week that give us the energy and entertainment to keep on going.
Are there any significant people who have played an important role in your TARGA experiences?
There are too many to name! When I first started as a TARGA volunteer pretty much everyone was a stranger to me and now I call them my TARGA family.
Spending a week at a time on the road you build a close bond with people and I have been lucky enough that each year the team has stayed the same and each event we pick up where we left off. This also includes volunteers and staff with different roles within the whole event.
It is just so nice to see everyone again each year.
What was your first car like?
It was a 2006 Mazda wagon, not fancy at all but has been a very reliable car.
You can only choose one song to listen to while driving for the rest of your days; name that song!
Life is a highway- definitely a singalong
You have two empty spots in your dream garage; name one classic car and one modern car that you’d park there.
I love a 1960’s mustang GT lots of grit and power. Modern car- Mercedes convertible – girls gotta have power and style right!
Describe your driving style in three words.
I was a good driver but now I’m a mum driver, much more cautious then I was before having my baby.
TARGA Official Spotlight: Greg & Vicki Rekers
Greg and Vicki Rekers are long-time TARGA Tour Leaders.
Since their first event at TARGA High Country in 2016, Greg and Vicki have become regular faces in the TARGA Tour events, guiding Tour cars along some of the most beautiful and interesting roads in Australia.
While the driving brought them to TARGA initially, it’s the people that have brought them back over the many years.
As we celebrate National Volunteers Week 2023, we caught up with Greg and Vicki to reflect on their fond TARGA memories and some of their volunteering highlights.
What was your very first TARGA event like & how did you get involved?
Dave Thompson had to pull out of THC in 2016, but he had a car there for us (the old XKR Jag) and with little knowledge but a bucket load of excitement we made the best of it and hosted the Delatite Drives club from Mansfield. It was a hoot!
What is your fondest memory of TARGA?
It will always be our first Targa TAS. We found ourselves hosting the past competitors on the Tour, and these champions had more plates and podiums and wonderful stories that quickly brought us into the TARGA family.
What is a TARGA moment or story you’ll never forget?
It was when Shannon’s brought a group of very special guests to Tasmania in some of the most incredible Ferraris, and Lambos. On the first day, our Blue Lambo thought it was a Victa lawn mower and took to a paddock. All was well, the 100kph tape came out (in matching colour) and we were back in the game.
Are there any significant people who have played an important role in your TARGA experiences?
So many! But to name a couple; Gavin James, Michael Mansour, Ian Knight and all that crew, and of course Chris Gough who guided us through our early years.
What was your first car like?
First car in TARGA was the XKR Jag owned by Tommo, an ex British touring car I think but still had all the characteristics of an unreliable Jag.
Vicki and I are Audi lovers so from that event on it’s been Audis apart from the one time I listened to my family in Mansfield and took our CV8 Monaro for the year, and yes of course it snowed!
You can only choose one song to listen to while driving for the rest of your days; name that song!
Hotel California
You have two empty spots in your dream garage; name one classic car and one modern car that you’d park there.
1985 Audi Quattro. And Audi R8
Describe your driving style in three words.
Too slow for Gavin and Mike apparently. But it’s a tour, boys !
TARGA Official Spotlight: Brian Edwards
Brian Edwards has been part of the TARGA Tasmania family for as long as the event has been around!
Over the event’s 30+ years history, Brian has never missed an event, and has held a number of roles across a variety of stages, and most recently is part of the invaluable Lunch Break Crew, ensuring all TARGA Tasmania competitors and tour participants enjoy their TARGA experience.
As we celebrate National Volunteers Week 2023, Brian’s commitment and dedication to TARGA cannot go unnoticed.
We thank Brian, and all TARGA volunteers for their unwavering support.
What was your very first TARGA event like?
My first TARGA Tasmania event was the inaugural one at a time when I was with Devonport Council. I was on the Devonport Stage, as the Devonport Council was sponsoring this Stage and staff members had the opportunity to spend their work day as a TARGA Official. Who wouldn’t take advantage of that?
It was very chaotic. Everyone was trying to understand what was supposed to happen, expect the unexpected and do their bit, but there were many aspects that cropped up that were totally unanticipated. Still, the show got underway and from all accounts the Devonport Stage had minimal problems.
How many years have you been a TARGA Official for?
I have been present at ALL Targa Tasmania events. Officially, my record shows I have missed two; the first was the inaugural event (see above) as I did not sign on and the second was the first Oyster Cove Stage when I was there but as a Council Officer not a TARGA official.
You can only choose one song to listen to while driving for the rest of your days; name the song?
It would probably be Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen; but any Queen songs would do!!
What was your first car?
My first car was a side valve Morris Minor.
What is your fondest memory of TARGA?
Probably the camaraderie with the other members of our Team. We are a set of married couples, all around the same age and have a lot in common. We travel together in a minibus for the duration of the event. We all know what our jobs are but have experience to help with any other task, if need be.
You have two empty spots in your dream garage; name one classic car and one modern car you would park there.
I have always had a leaning towards a Triumph Stag, so I would choose that as my classic car. My modern car would be a Rolls Royce SUV, but as I couldn’t afford to buy, run or maintain one, it will always remain a dream.
Apart from officiating at motor sport events, what would people find you doing on the weekends?
I enjoy doing wood working and often make bits of furniture for my children, as well as toys for my grandchildren; but there is always work to be done around the house.
What is the best thing about being a TARGA Official?
Apart from a week with friends (and my wife), the hype of the event, seeing the cars, talking to the drivers/navigators all add to an enjoyable time.
SUPPORT US, AS WE SUPPORT YOU
I am writing to you as a member of the TARGA family to provide an update on where we currently sit in planning and preparations for TARGA Great Barrier Reef and TARGA Tasmania 2023.
Given the volume of correspondence TARGA has received from participants, it is important we provide you with what clarity we can at this time.
It is also important that you know we remain upbeat about the prospect of TARGA rallies well into the future.
Background
The Tarmac Rally Working Group (TRWG) was reformed after the 2021 safety review and is tasked with playing a key role in the implementation of the latest recommendations handed down in the TARGA Review Panel report released on 28 February, 2023.
Unfortunately, little correspondence has been released since those findings were handed down.
An Implementation Plan is critical to ensuring recommendations from the report become a reality, however this is yet to be finalised and we have no knowledge as to when it will be released. While the report was only released in February, it should be remembered that the core content of the report was established internally as far back as September 2022, almost eight months ago.
Without an Implementation Plan, it is impossible to predict what impact will be felt by competitors, event promoters and other commercial stakeholders who want to see TARGA continue to stage safe and enjoyable events.
Your concerns
Given the current environment, many of you have rightly looked to TARGA for answers; for some sort of certainty about the future surrounding our events. We wish we could provide that certainty.
Sadly, we have had minimal input into the process, despite the expert knowledge we have from more than three decades hosting our iconic events.
Some have insinuated our ‘expertise’ may be too commercially-focused, however it should be remembered that following the 2021 Investigatory Tribunal Report, TARGA implemented every recommendation. And we did so immediately, with all recommendations in place for TARGA High Country within four months of the report’s release, and months before TARGA Tasmania.
This is clear evidence that we are prepared and willing to work within a revised framework to ensure TARGA goes ahead for the TARGA family.
Many of you would know that the Tarmac Rally Competitors Association of Australia (TRCAA) stated in their newsletter that they had put a series of questions to TARGA in relation to our events.
While many of these questions are certainly valid, we simply do not have the information needed to provide concrete answers. The responses below should provide some context as to why:
Q: Will my current GT car qualify? Motorsport Australia has determined the parameters of qualification and each owner should seek clarification from MA if they think they breach both parameters, which is the basis for future exclusion.
Q: What licence will I need and how much will that cost? Motorsport Australia has always determined the parameters and costs of licences – not TARGA. MA is yet to advise of their future plans in this space, but as members, we are sure they will advise you in due course.
Q: I won’t enter until I see the course details, stage lengths and number etc. When will these be available? TARGA has always released the TARGA Tasmania course approximately four months before the event (normally Christmas). This will see the course announced at the end of June to provide the normal amount of time for a pre-event recce before the event in late October. Entries remain open until late September, providing plenty of time for those who choose to wait.
Q: Without full technical regulations, how can I be sure my car will or could be made to qualify? Motorsport Australia is now tasked with the issuing of technical regulations, not just approving these regulations, so no one – including TARGA – can be sure of eligibility moving forward. If it comes to pass that your car is deemed ineligible, TARGA will refund your entry fee in full.
Q: Will I have the (as yet undefined) qualifications to enter in my preferred category? Motorsport Australia will be making these decisions to be followed by all tarmac rallies and any advice on this will be provided as and when it comes to hand.
Q: There is no mention in the TARGA release about training requirements. Will these be a requirement for all entrants? TARGA has never set the parameters for training or licensing. This responsibility sits with Motorsport Australia, hence why there was no mention of it in our release.
As you can see, many of the questions posed require answers from Motorsport Australia, which are as yet unavailable. Unfortunately, until an Implementation Plan is in place, both TARGA and TRCAA – as well as competitors and other stakeholders – are all in the same boat. We are currently all in the dark as to what the future holds.
What I can assure you of, however, is that TARGA remains as intent as ever to continue staging the successful events thousands and thousands of participants have enjoyed for many, many years.
So, where to now?
While the current lack of an Implementation Plan brings with it uncertainty as to what the immediate future holds, you should know that TARGA remains 100% committed to future events.
For myself and many of you, rarely a day goes by that we don’t reflect on the very fond memories of those we have lost.
However, it is important that we honour Shane, Leigh, Dennis, Tony and their friends and families by continuing to move TARGA forward and stage safe and enjoyable events well into the future.
I am buoyed by our staff who turn up to the office every day and smile, putting their best foot forward despite the circumstances that confront us, to continue to work hard for you.
You may have seen our recent offer to TT30 competitors – those highly-impacted by the events of last year – combined with our release of a technical guide which is designed to help you prepare for the future. This is all in the absence of any formal communication to date from Motorsport Australia, but provides further evidence that as long as there are lessons to be learnt from previous events, we will implement change when it is required.
TARGA Tasmania
In all honesty, cancelling this year’s TARGA Tasmania given the current environment would have saved us many painstaking months of pulling a huge logistical event together at an unusual time.
Cancelling is what some people expected, and some even hoped for.
Cancelling would have been the easiest decision for us to make, but it wouldn’t have been the right one.
Cancelling would have wasted more time, and drained hope from our competitors, officials and sponsors.
Cancelling was not an option we wanted to consider, however postponing was a clear sign of our willingness to fight for our rights to put on these unique events.
With that in mind, it’s important to explain why we are moving forward with plans to stage TARGA Tasmania at the end of October, as I know many people are wondering why that time of year was chosen.
In order to conduct an event of this size, logistics need to support its staging. For us, the most fundamental element surrounding TARGA Tasmania relates to getting people and vehicles to the event, and accommodating them while they’re there. If we can’t do that, there is no event.
To that end, we worked closely with the Spirit of Tasmania, all Tasmanian Councils, Hotel Grand Chancellor and the Novotel who were all incredibly supportive to help us find a window which would benefit all stakeholders. With bookings already strong between Spring and Christmas, we settled on October which has the added benefit of allowing a good period of time in the leadup to next year’s TARGA Tasmania in April 2024.
How you can help
It is little surprise that we are often asked if TARGA Tasmania will happen again.
The simple answer is that if people don’t enter, the event cannot take place.
TARGA Tasmania’s enormous success over three decades, and the reason our sponsors are so supportive of the event, is because so many people want to participate either as competitors or as members of the wider TARGA family.
Staging TARGA Tasmania is an incredible organisational undertaking, and it needs many, many people supporting and taking part to remain viable.
For many years, this has been its greatest strength. While I am proud to lead a team which continues to stage incredible events which countless people have enjoyed, it is those attending who make it the success it has long been.
Unfortunately, unprecedented times have led to understandable uncertainty. If we are to move forward, we now need your support.
Early Bird entries remain open for TARGA Great Barrier Reef and TARGA Tasmania until midnight on Friday 26 May. We are asking you to have faith in the team which has successfully delivered 62 rallies that have provided many memories for those taking part. TARGA has provided joy to more than 10,000 competitors and participants, who have driven millions of kilometres and injected more than $350m into local economies, along with promoting Australia all around the world.
Our commitment to you
While the uncertainty being experienced right now may be different to times gone by, it is worth remembering that most people have historically registered for TARGA events without knowing all the final details.
For example, the approvals required for each TARGA stage mean courses are rarely fully confirmed before the bulk of entries have already been received.
However, as a show of good faith, if it happens that developments in the future mean you and/or your car are ineligible to compete in your chosen section of TARGA, all monies paid will be refunded. We will then collaborate closely with you to rectify the challenges you may face, so that you can return to TARGA as soon as possible.
This is our commitment to you.
Sure, the course may have some changes – it always has – but it will remain 500+ competitive kilometres and the total distance will also remain at around 1900km.
We can all agree that without this style of course it simply is not TARGA Tasmania. The overnight move from Strahan to Devonport opens a myriad of opportunities for new excitement and new adventures, but the course length and style must remain.
The legacy and history of TARGA Tasmania must be protected.
Again, this is our commitment to you.
Believe in the future
TARGA, our sponsors and stakeholders continue to move forward every day with the steadfast belief that this year’s event will continue its growth towards TARGA Tasmania’s 35th Anniversary in 2027.
We all have faith that the uncertainty we are currently experiencing will pass and clarity is somewhere on the horizon.
While these are challenging times, we can’t sit on the fence and wait for our destiny to be written for us. Living our dreams, enjoying life as we choose has long been integral to the spirit of TARGA and tarmac rallying more broadly.
We cannot wither away and be left only with amazing memories. We will stand up and fight for you, and we hope you continue to support us. With so much uncertainty, so many questions, we remain loyally in your corner demanding answers from those who have them.
We do so, because the future of TARGA – and the TARGA family – is well worth fighting for.
Sincerely and in faith,
Mark Perry TARGA CEO
TARGA Official Spotlight: Courtney Hill
Josh Hill has become a name synonymous with TARGA as our very own Operations Manager started volunteering almost two decades ago, as a Time Card Runner back in 2004.
He became the TARGA Operations Manager in March 2022, but recruited his younger sister Courtney to join the TARGA volunteer family well before then.
Courtney’s bubbly personality and smiling face has become a highlight for drivers and navigators in her roles as a Vehicle Tracker and Assistant Safety Manager over the past 10 years.
At TARGA Tasmania this year, Courtney will step into a new role as a Deputy Stage Director.
We recently caught up with Courtney to reflect on her favourite TARGA memories, which include an awkward encounter with Grant Denyer and making memories with her brother Josh.
What was your very first TARGA event like & how did you get involved?
So I was 18 when I first started doing TARGA. Josh was the stage director and I thought why not? I get to meet new people and annoy my brother for a week, 10 years later and I’m still kicking about.
What is your fondest memory of TARGA?
My fondest memory of TARGA is when the team gets back together for one massive week. I’ve tried explaining to people who don’t do TARGA and it’s like this is your job and your family, you’re just finding something to do in between till we get together again.
And probably our famous dress ups on Arrowsmith as a send-off for the drivers and navigators on their last day.
What is a TARGA moment or story you’ll never forget?
One moment I won’t ever forget and get reminded of quite often is when it was my first year, I was doing TC in. I saw Grant Denyer pull up and we exchanged hellos. Not long after he came over to me and said, “you know your flys undone?” I had to explain it was broken and that’s as good as it was going to get. Every day for the rest of the week he’d greet me with “good morning zip!”
Are there any significant people who have played an important role in your TARGA experiences?
My most significant person who played a massive role in my experience is definitely my brother, Joshy. We’ve obviously been through thick and thin as siblings but we grew to be more like best mates. He’s been there for me for everything in my TARGA career and also our personal lives. He’s been my rock and supported me so much, I couldn’t do most things now if it wasn’t for his love and support. And also the shenanigans we got up to!
What was your first car like?
My first car was a Kia Rio. It was so reliable until its last service and not long after picking it up from the mechanic, it caught on fire. I wasn’t in the car at the time because I left it for dead but got a call about it. Myself and my eldest child were in it 20 minutes before the call so I went into typical mum mode and counted our lucky stars.
You have two empty spots in your dream garage; name one classic car and one modern car that you’d park there.
One would be a ’69 Mustang and the other a Raptor F150
