Targa Tasmania is set to roar back to life in 2025 with significant changes, including a new spring start date and the most extensive course layout overhaul in the event’s history.
The rally will now begin on the third Sunday in November, with dates set for November 16-21 next year.
For the first time, the event will start in Hobart with a ceremonial send-off and feature stages across the south, giving locals a chance to witness the cars in action on revamped stages over the weekend.
The rally will then head to Devonport for a first-ever overnight stop on Monday, November 17 before continuing to Launceston on November 18.
It will remain in Launceston until the finish and a new Official Finish ceremony on the evening of Friday, November 21.
Targa Australia CEO Mark Perry said the time since the last event has allowed for a comprehensive review and the implementation of safety enhancements.
“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,” he said.
“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 dates and course layout will remain in place for the next five years as part of a funding agreement with the state government, ensuring the continuation of the event until at least 2029.
Tasmanian Sports Minister Nick Duigan said 80% of Targa’s participants and support crews come from interstate and overseas and the event injects $8 million into the state’s economy each year.
To have it back in its full competitive state is really great news for Tasmania.”
A Coronial Inquest into the deaths of four competitors recently concluded, with findings yet to be handed down.
