Tarmac triumph in the Targa Rally

The resurgence of tarmac rallying came to North Devon when the local Motor Club staged its annual Stu Wood Targa Rally on the expanse of roadways of the Chivenor Airfield.

Held in memory of Stuart Wood, who for many years was a regular competitor on many different types of rally events, as both a driver and navigator. Stu was also a long-time organiser of the ‘Ilfracombe Rally’ and also a prominent member of the NDMC.

The event, in excess of 30 miles, was a round of three different major championships and attracted 60 crews from all over the South West of England, plus a large contingency from South Wales.

Split into two sections, Experts and Novices, and further split into classes, the event’s overall winner was James Appleby of Wellington with Ilfracombe-based Robert Hurst as navigator – the two shared a Ford Fiesta ST150. The novice section was won by the Citroen C2 of Max Bird and Josh Seymour of Worcestershire.

Umberleigh’s Stuart Holton with co-driver Michael Woolacott provided local interest by winning the over 1400cc Novice class in their VW Golf GTi. Mark and Shaun Batty of Barnstaple (1400cc Ford Fiesta) showed off their family ties by winning one of the Clubman’s classes and the pairing of Jon Burnell from Barnstaple and Ilfracombe’s Ian Hobman finished third in their section in a 1.7 litre Ford Fiesta.

Targa Rallying is one of the fastest growing and most entertaining ways to have some excitement in your standard everyday car. You don’t need any training or special equipment – just the burning desire to have some great fun on four wheels and these are open to all-comers; you just need a valid licence, including a free RS Clubman.  

Combining the against-the-clock thrills of a Rally with the precision driving skills of an Autotest, most take place on private land. A twisty course is set out and marked with cones – cars then zoom and skid around the prescribed route in the fastest possible time.

The twists and turns keep speeds down and add to the challenge, and a navigator helps drivers to stay on course while avoiding penalties for taking the wrong route.

To ensure safe, fair and fun competition, events are run to regulations laid out by Motorsport UK. As one of the sports organised under the governing body’s ‘Streetcar’ programme, Targas are strictly reserved for road cars – this not only keeps costs down and provides easy access but also provides a more level playing field.

Vehicles just need to be road legal with a valid MOT and be taxed and insured. Crews don’t require race suits or even helmets, just a RS Clubman licence from Motorsport UK. Then join one of the many motor clubs now organising Targa Rallies, pay your entry fee and dump the clutch. Simple!   

What are you waiting for? To find out more about competing or marshalling, contact the North Devon Motor Club on Facebook or their website, www.ndmc.org.uk

Pictures from Paul Morris Motorsport Photography