Targa Tasmania to return to Derwent Valley

Targa Tasmania is set to return to the Derwent Valley and New Norfolk later in 2026.
"The Ultimate Tarmac Rally" kicks off in Launceston on Wednesday, November 18, with competitors making their way to the finish line in Hobart on Sunday, November 22, after a visit to the Valley Of Love.
Reigning 2025 Targa Tasmania champions, Angus Kennard and Ian Wheeler, will be back to defend their Modern Super Cup category and Overall Targa win in their 2015 Nissan GT-R, along with all the classic and modern-day cars that look and sound so great.
Targa Tasmania rally racing resumed in a revised format in 2025 after the deaths of four competitors led to the suspension of the event in 2023.
This year, tradition is set to continue with the rally to be held over five legs that host six stages each, which also includes the iconic West Coast run on the final day.
Due to a review into the untimely race deaths, some big changes were made before the resumption of Targa in 2025.
Changes included limiting a car's maximum speed and power-to-weight ratio, road selection, grading, in-car safety measures, course signage, the proximity of spectators, and protocols following an incident.
Another critical change was the timing of the event, now held in much more favourable conditions during late Spring rather than Autumn.
The future of Targa Tasmania continues to evolve while also maintaining its core character.
New categories accommodate changing automotive technology, while traditional divisions preserve the event’s heritage and ensure that classic machinery remains competitive.
This year also sees a new sub-event incorporated into the rally called "Targa Trofeo," which will be run over the opening three days of Targa Tasmania out of Launceston.
Trofeo features 24 closed-road stages run across North, North West, and Eastern Tasmania.
Competitors and Tour participants will end Trofeo with a stage on Symmons Plains Raceway before a ceremonial finish in Launceston on November 20, where three top Targa Trofeo 2026 entrants will win free entry to Targa Tasmania 2027.
In 2027, "Targa Florio" will also be introduced, based out of Burnie. This three-day rally will offer both a competition and touring category.
It will feature 16 stages covering more than 220 kilometres of closed public roads, including the West Coast's Savage River and Hellyer Gorge stages.
Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis and the Derwent Valley Council thanked and praised the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands Tourism Association for "their efforts in helping to secure Targa's return to New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley, which also promotes the region and brings in a lot of people to the area".
Targa Tasmania generates around $ 15 million annually for the State's economy, with accommodation, restaurants and cafes, automotive services, tourism and retail sales raking in most of the big bucks.