Targa Tasmania CEO Mark Perry has hailed May as the most exciting month in recent years, with strong competitor interest, council approvals, and positive momentum building ahead of the rally's return later this year.

“For the first time since 2022, entries are flowing in, road closures are being finalised, and stakeholder support has been overwhelmingly positive,” Perry said. He shared a personal moment on a recent flight where fellow Tasmanians expressed their excitement about Targa’s comeback, highlighting the event’s cultural importance: “We should never take such amazing events like Targa and Dark Mofo for granted.”

Key Updates from May:

Tyre Regulations: The revised tyre rules have generated plenty of discussion, particularly around permitted options and penalties. Competitors may now use more than four tyres during the event, with each additional tyre incurring a 2-minute penalty—down from previous penalties of up to 20 minutes. Perry emphasized that this move restores the strategic depth that defined past Targa events.
More Tyre Choices Incoming: The team is reviewing competitor feedback and assessing data, with plans to expand the approved tyre list and include OEM tyres for modern cars. Updates will be shared alongside changes to technical and sporting regulations by the end of June.
GT Car Eligibility Clarified: Addressing ongoing confusion, Perry reaffirmed that all previously approved Targa cars from 2022, including modern GT models, remain eligible—so long as they meet updated technical regulations. "We pledged to GT car owners that we wouldn’t return without them, and we’ve stood by that," he stated.

Perry encouraged the Targa community to look ahead to the future of the event, especially with evolving trends in automotive manufacturing. He reiterated that Targa's focus is on finishing stages safely, not pushing flat-out from the outset, and that strategic driving—like in Formula 1—will once again play a key role in success.