Targa Newfoundland

[Zedyone_kenobi]

My brother and I are big motorheads. We always have been. We dabble in autocross, and I have a few track days planned just to have a blast. We both fell in love with Targa rallies in New Zealand and Australia. What we have planned to do is take my Z to the Targa Newfoundland (the closest one I think to us) and to participate. We will do this on my 40th birthday as a present to myself. We are thinking we will codrive my Z.

There are two classes, one which actually races for the win, and the other just runs all the same roads, but a set speed behind a pace car. Now with cars like old GT40's and Porsche 911 GT3 RS's running, my little Z has little to no chance to win, but the paced laps with all the vintage Ferraris may be a great way to spend a week.

Since I am not going for all out race victories, I think the modification list to my car should be minimal. But I wanted to ask. Has anyone done anything like this with a Z and if so, how extensive was the modifications? What spares should I bring?

Just curious. I have 4 years to save up and plan for this, but I am committed to the idea.

[240dkw]

It looks like this car will be running this year. Maybe one of our Ontario members knows the drivers and can put you in contact with them before/after the race. I have watched the race a couple of times on TV and it looks like it would be a blast to do.

http://www.targanewfoundland.com/drivers/cars/2009/501/

[Bonzi Lon]

I also have watched it on TV, what a wonderful road race. The spectators have great views too. The one I saw had an orange 240Z that had engine problems from the start, running 3-6 cylinders but made it at least 3/4 the way before it seized. Looks like a blast for the ones that are out to win it all.

Bonzi Lon

[bigoak]

A number of Z's have competed over the years. I believe for the most part they we in the racing division, not the touring division. Dig around their website, you'll find the historical data. See if you can find a team or two to chat with and discuss your options. (Or just call the Targa organizers...Newfs are great people...right Sailor Bob?).

When do you turn 40? Next year?

Cheers.

[TexasRider260Z]

You know a guy with a pretty fair amount of experience in enduro and rally style racing with roadbooks and time keeping dont you - although it was all two wheel. He says go for the race ! In four years you will want to race. Getting ready even for one year is a long time!

What finsih places do they podium or award? I mean you dont actually HAVE to win the overall do you? Even if you are 5th or 10th in your class - still a good run ! And if you dont race you will likely be back to race the next time huh?

I am going to have to get another race trailer after-all???

Edited September 7, 2009 by TexasRider260Z
spell add

[jmortensen]

Suggestion--pick up a race car instead of modifying your car. Get an old ITS or better yet a GT2 car. Even if you just get a rolling chassis it will be well worth it. You'll get a cage, a fuel cell, probably a fire system, and a chassis that you don't have to be afraid to weld to or do what you have to do to pass the safety inspection.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

Thats actually a great idea. If I plan to race, it may be a better solution than hacking up my car. But if I only want to do the touring, then I would most definitely take my Z up there!

[Zedyone_kenobi]

A number of Z's have competed over the years. I believe for the most part they we in the racing division, not the touring division. Dig around their website, you'll find the historical data. See if you can find a team or two to chat with and discuss your options. (Or just call the Targa organizers...Newfs are great people...right Sailor Bob?).

When do you turn 40? Next year?

Cheers.

NOpe, I have 4 years to get ready...Judging by the amount of money and time I can throw at this, I think it will take me 4 years to save the coin to do this.