Targa Classica is set to kick off this week, bringing 100 classic cars on a tour across Victoria in the lead up to the Formula One Australian Grand Prix.
With a carefully planned route designed to take competitors on some of the state’s best driving roads, the four-day event will begin next Monday in Healesville then travel to Bright, Mt Hotham, Nagambie, and Seymour’s High Street before concluding at Yarra Park in Melbourne on Thursday evening.
Targa Classica is a sister event to the Grandi Eventi events, which have been held in Italy for more than 100 years, carrying on from the established Targa Florio Australian Tribute for its fifth year in the country.
Targa Classica director Andrew Lawson said the event was a good opportunity to socialise while appreciating historic and valuable cars.
“It’s an event that the competitors love, but it’s much more than just about cars,” he said.
“It’s about bringing people together, out of their houses, into the street, down to the local park, on the street corner to connect with the competitors and feel part of it.”
While it is a competitive event with passionate drivers in fast cars, the focus of the tour is not about speed but rather time, as competitors must drive to average a set time across each stage.
Drivers will be penalised for recording times that are faster or slower than the set time for each course, allowing drivers and spectators to focus on the cars, route, and the Victorian countryside rather than outright speed.
“Spectators can chat to drivers, listen to interviews, enjoy the cars and sample all [the towns] have to offer in a festive atmosphere,” Mr Lawson said.
“Victoria is blessed with great driving roads and fantastic communities – it really is a wonderful experience, so I encourage anyone interested to come and have a look and be part of this historic motoring event.”
The tour will be in Seymour from 1pm to 2pm on Thursday, with a slow drive-by, a community welcome and cars on display along the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk.
This year’s event has sold out, however organisers are welcoming the community to bring their cars out for next year’s event and are expecting between 150 and 200 cars to take part.
For more information, people can visit www.targaclassica.com.
