Targa Australia greatly appreciates all the work carried out by Coroner Simon Cooper and those involved in the inquest. The release of the findings brings closure for everyone involved in Targa Tasmania and allows us to now fully focus on a bright future where the annual running of Targa Tasmania will again bring joy to many thousands of people involved with the event, and the thousands who turn out to watch it, along with contributing a much-needed economic return to Tasmania and its local communities.

Targa Australia CEO, Mark Perry said “We have worked tirelessly to support the processes put in place following the tragic events of 2021 and 2022. Much of what was proposed during the coronial had been planned for proactively and is in line with the opening of applications for entry in April this year. This includes the following key changes:

• A date change to hold the event in warmer and more predictable weather
• The removal of automatic entry based on the holding of a particular licence
• A rigorous and detailed criteria to be accepted into the highest level of competition
• A reduction in maximum allowable speed to 190km/h with a maximum of only thirty vehicles being granted access to this level of competition
• A detailed and compulsory pre-event training program, including driving on a practice Targa stage for the first time to better educate competitors in stopping at incidents and understanding course signage
• A one event licencing system to ensure all competitors undertake full training before each event
• A promotion and demotion system based on finishing each stage of the event to ensure only those with perfect competition records remain in the highest level competition
• A capping of entry numbers to 300 (100 competition, 200 tour) to reduce risk, event delays and pressure on officials
• Vehicle set up rule changes to make them better suited to the roads being utilised
• The banning of racetrack specific semi-slick tyres
• Reversing of the running order to put the fastest competition vehicles first to provide these vehicles with the best road conditions on each Targa stage

In proactively identifying these changes, competitors have been afforded the necessary time to prepare for the return of Targa Tasmania in November. Whilst there were no further recommendations in the findings, and the acknowledgment that driver responsibility is an important element in the event, we have gained some important insights and we are continuing to assess if there are other positive enhancements we can make to the event.

We are excited to be bringing Targa Tasmania back. It will be a very different event to the one we have known, including having fewer cars taking part,but taking the event back to its roots. This will also be offset by daylight savings enabling us to hold more free events for the public to enjoy with planning underway for some key family-based events to be held around the state.

Our thoughts remain with the families of Shane Navin, Leigh Mundy, Dennis Neagle and Tony Seymour along with John Mansell and Ian Johnston.

Further Information
Mark Perry 0407 322 110

With the recent conclusion of the coronial inquest held in Hobart, Targa Australia have got back to work in planning to run its signature event Targa Tasmania in 2025, for the first time since 2022.

The return will see the iconic rally run at a different time of the year for at least the next five years with the announcement today of new spring dates, starting on the third Sunday in November.

For 2025, this will see the event start on Sunday 16 November and finish on Friday 21 November.

The time afforded to plan for the event’s return to ensure the implementation of a range of safety changes will also see the greatest single change to the course layout in the history of the event.

For the first time, the event will get underway in Hobart with a Ceremonial Start and various stages across the south to give locals a key chance on the weekend to see the cars in action on several revamped stages.

The event will then head to Devonport for a first-ever overnight stop on Monday 17 November before heading to Launceston on 18 November, where it will remain until the finish and a first-time Official Finish to be held in Launceston on the evening of Friday 21 November, bringing a whole new Targa experience to the northern city.

Targa Australia CEO, Mark Perry said: “The passage of time has given us an amazing opportunity to undertake a detailed review of the event whilst ensuring we can implement the many positive changes to make Targa Tasmania a safer event in the future and continue to inject many millions of dollars into the Tasmanian economy each year.

“The traditional April/May dates provided very challenging weather conditions for competitors and officials, so with the full support of the State Government and Events Tasmania we have decided that moving the event to a mid-November slot can only assist in improved safety outcomes for everyone involved and give our large tour contingent a more pleasant drive around Tasmania.

“It is also great news for spectators and will give us some amazing opportunities to put on more outdoor events for the public at a warmer and drier time of the year.”

The new event dates and course layout will remain in place for at least the next five years as part of the varied five year funding agreement with the State Government, which will see one of the world’s iconic motorsport events continue to at least 2029. 

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.”

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One of the great characters of the TARGA family has left us to join other TARGA Legends out on the course in heaven.

Mac Russell will be sincerely missed by everyone involved in TARGA Tasmania and our sincere condolences go to his courageous and loyal wife, Marj, along with all their family and friends.

Mac first competed in TARGA Tasmania in 1993, competing in 27 events (21 with Marj by his side), being inducted into the TARGA Hall of Fame in 2007 before ultimately being inducted into the extremely exclusive Hall of Fame Legends section at the 25^th Anniversary event in 2016.  Marj joined Mac as a Legend in 2019.

For those who have been around TARGA Tasmania for a long time, they will always remember Mac & Marj in their open-top Morgan, smiling no matter what the weather had in store for them and competing in the true spirit of TARGA, always ensuring they were there at the finish and winning a coveted TARGA Plate.

Many won’t know that Mac played in a key role in the formation of RallySafe, an incredible technological marvel now used in rallying all around the world.  With that in mind, we felt it was appropriate for one of RallySafe’s founders, Stephen Sims to share with us his memories of Mac:

It is with great sadness that we have recently learned of the passing of a great legend in ‘Mac Russell’.

Mac has been a long-term friend of mine as well as a mentor and inspiration in so many ways.

I have worked for, competed against, and partnered with him on various occasions.

Many might not know but Mac was an integral part of the birth and creation of ‘RallySafe’.

From early day financial support to becoming a long-time advocate for the technology through to business advising as the company grew outside of the nation’s shores.

By me, my team and anybody that knew him he will be dearly missed.

Have a drink and BIG cigar on Monday 19 June when we say farewell.

May Mac rest in peace having lived an incredible and rewarding life.

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. 

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 !

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.

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

Describe your driving style in three words. 

Mum gone wild

The longevity and loyalty of TARGA officials sustains the famous tarmac rally, and Sari Makela is one such official.

Sari’s first TARGA experience was twenty years ago as a primary recorder in Derby at TARGA Tasmania.

With several years as primary recorder, starting with manual timing clocks, Sari’s progressed alongside the timing technology at TARGA to her most recent role as Time Control In Operator for the Stage Team.

We caught up with Sari to reflect on her fond TARGA memories and event highlights.

What was your very first TARGA event like & how did you get involved? 

My very first TARGA event as an official was the year 2003 at Derby – as Primary Recorder at the Flying Finish. We had family living at Winnaleah who asked if we wanted to help out as they needed volunteers. I was Primary Recorder at the Flying Finish for a total of 7 years straight, 3 years at Derby, then 4 years at Legerwood.

2010, when the teams started I switched ends and became the Start Timer on Josh Hill’s team for 4 years. During these years I also did the first 3 TARGA High Country events in Victoria where our team was combined with Pontus Reutersward’s team. There were a couple of Wrest Points slotted in there as well. In 2013, I moved to Canada and missed the next 5 years but upon returning to Tasmania in 2019, I was immediately asked by Geoff Pilgrim to join his team. It was great to come back and get involved again. I really missed it while I was away

What is your fondest memory of TARGA? 

My fondest memories are when the day is over, getting together as a group for dinner and bonding with your team members. Also seeing the progression in technology over the years from the manual timing clocks to laptops and now RallySafe. However, at the end of each TARGA, during the final stages, the best memories are when the drivers stop and thank you for your contribution during the week. Knowing how much they appreciate our efforts is what keeps me coming back.

What is a TARGA moment or story you’ll never forget?

There are a few moments that I will never forget! As a spectator – watching Peter Brock limp by in the Monaro as it was running out of fuel, that was heartbreaking to watch.

As an official – at the start watching some brilliant starts in particular the A9X Toranas that used to give us some spectacular shows. 

Memories of the weather playing havoc, gale-force winds, sideways rain, sitting on a chair with a stream of water running under you, trying to keep the laptop dry, finish the event, pack up and start driving to the next location and its brilliant sunshine.

Are there any significant people who have played an important role in your TARGA experiences?

The TARGA Family that you develop more and more each year, these people become your lifelong friends. You may not see much of them during the year but when it’s TARGA time again the friendships continue to grow from the previous years. 

What was your first car like? 

A 1970 yellow Corona, if the passenger wasn’t ready for it they would slide off the seat when the car was going around a corner. Plus I couldn’t drive it faster than 70-80km without it overheating, which was okay while in the city but not so great trying to get from Adelaide to Mt Gambier, normally a 5-hour trip that took nearly 10 hours.  

You can only choose one song to listen to while driving for the rest of your days; name that song! 

As a driving song, Tom Cochrane – Life Is A Highway is the only one that comes to mind right now.

You have two empty spots in your dream garage; name one classic car and one modern car that you’d park there.

1948 Holden (but only if it has the same setup as #215 that used to be in TARGA, I miss seeing that car)
So many modern cars to choose from but most likely a Corvette. 

Donna Campbell made her TARGA debut five years ago as a Vehicle Tracker at TARGA Great Barrier Reef, and was instantly hooked.

Along with her husband Wayne, Donna has been a voice for the volunteer officials in Cairns at TARGA Great Barrier Reef and TARGA Tasmania.

We recently caught up with Donna to share her TARGA experiences, and we we thank Donna for her invaluable contribution to TARGA over the years.

What was your very first TARGA event like? 

My first TARGA event was the very first event of TARGA Great Barrier Reef in 2018. My stepson was going to enter a car (but had to pull out). My husband wanted to be involved to watch his son and asked would I like to help as well.

 What is your fondest memory of TARGA? 

My fondest memory was going back home to Tasmania in 2019 and being an official in TARGA TAS, as I had not been back since I left 21 years ago. The whole time was one big memory.

What is a TARGA moment or story you’ll never forget?

There have been a lot of moments and stories over the time I have been involved with TARGA but the one that stands out was one time during TARGA Great Barrier Reef when it was on Father’s Day and we made a sign wishing all competitors a Happy Father’s Day. The expressions, smiles and thanks were priceless.

Are there any significant people who have played an important role in your TARGA experiences?

There are many people who have played an important role in my time with TARGA. My husband Wayne Campbell has helped me through all aspects of TARGA (whilst learning himself). He helped my confidence grow to become the person I am today. Josh Hill – from the time I first met him he has been a great mentor/teacher. Nothing is a hassle. He welcomed me and Wayne into the TARGA family with open arms.

What was your first car like? 

My very first car was a 1988 Gemini, which I had to triple clutch it to get it into reverse.

You can only choose one song to listen to while driving for the rest of your days; name that song! 

Back in Black would be a song I would choose to listen to everyday.

You have two empty spots in your dream garage; name one classic car and one modern car that you’d park there.

A 1988 Gemini (for the memories) and the latest Mustang are two cars I would have in the two spots of my garage.

Describe your driving style in three words. 

“Get there safe” would be the three words I would use to describe my driving style.