Targa Tasmania’s bold new era: rally’s format revamped, future guaranteed until 2029
Targa Tasmania unveils major “reboot” for 2025, with new dates, route, and future secured. What we know.
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Targa Tasmania’s long-awaited “reboot” will see the iconic tarmac rally’s format turned on its head in 2025 with a new timeslot, a start in Hobart and finish in Launceston as well as almost $2m in state government backing to guarantee its future until 2029.
Targa boss Mark Perry will make the official announcement on Tuesday as the six-day event, worth almost $8m per annum to the state economy, bounces back after a two-year shutdown.
The pause followed the death of four competitors, a review into the event’s safety and a coroner’s inquest into the deaths of Vincent Navin, Leigh Mundy, Dennis Neagle, and Anthony Seymour in Targa crashes across the 2021 and 2022 events.
New-look Targa Tasmania will run from November 16-21, ditching its traditional April-May slot.
It will now be held in November for the next five years.
Other traditions have also fallen by the wayside.
The start has been switched from Launceston to Hobart, meaning that more than 3000 competitors, their crews, friends and families will spend three to four days in the state’s capital in the lead-up, producing a significant boost for hospitality businesses in the south.
For the first time since the event started in 1993, it will finish in Launceston.
Perry said the shake-up would give Targa Tasmania a fresh start.
“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,” he said.
Targa Tasmania 2025 will get underway in Hobart with a Ceremonial Start followed by various stages across the south to “give locals a key chance on the weekend [Sunday] to see the cars in action on several revamped stages”.
The event will then head to the North-West Coast for a first-ever overnight stop in Devonport.
On day three the field relocates to Launceston, where it will be based for three days of competition around the north and north-east ahead of the first official finish in Launceston.
“It will bring a whole new Targa experience to the northern city,” Perry said.
By switching to later in the year it is hoped more favourable weather conditions can help enhance the revamped safety measures governing the event.
“The traditional April/May dates provided very challenging weather conditions for competitors and officials,” Perry said.
“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.”
Minister for Sports and Events, Nick Duigan, said it will be fantastic to have the event back.
“We know this event has a massive tourism impact for our state, with 80 per cent of Targa competitors visitors to Tasmania, travelling from across Australia and overseas to participate.
“The event attracts over 3500 interstate participants each year, with each staying an average of nine nights in the state.
“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are growing our tourism sector by investing in events and unique experiences across the state.
“The Government is investing $1.975 million to support the delivery of five Targa Tasmania events between 2025 and 2029, securing one of the world’s most iconic motorsport events for at least five years.”
The same type of cars from previous events will be allowed to run in 2025, a measure to ensure competitors could resume their passion without the need to expensive alterations.
Competitors will also need to attend the new Targa Academy from 2026 to ensure they meet the qualifying standards to take part.
TARGA TASMANIA
Key Changes
• New timeslot – events to be held in November
• New start line – events to start in Hobart
• New finish – events to finish in Launceston
• New overnight stay – Devonport to host its first “overnighter”
• Guaranteed – future secured until 2029
More Coverage
Originally published as Targa Tasmania’s bold new era: rally’s format revamped, future guaranteed until 2029
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