In September (2007) I entered my 1986.5 928S in the GT class of the Targa Newfoundland and I wanted to share my experience.

If you’re interested in seeing picture please visit my website:

http://www.roadtripracing.com/pictures.htm

The Targa Newfoundland is a 2200km tarmac road rally that runs over six days across eastern and central Newfoundland. It was an incredible experience.

I’ve put off this post for 4 or 5 months now because summarizing an experience like this is a daunting challenge. The Newfoundland Targa is sort of like the Iron man of auto sport, it’s addictive and life changing. Anyway I realize I’ll probably never get around to a proper post, but I want to briefly share how incredibly well the 928 performed.

Most competitors trailer their cars at least until they get to the Ferry to Newfoundland. I drove my 928 from Toronto all the way to St. John’s. That’s roughly 2000 KM prior to the 2200 KM race. And I knew if all went well I’d be driving it home that’s almost 6500 KM total trip basically beating on the car the entire way. Furthermore there’s little or no support for 22 year old 928s in Newfoundland so the entire endeavor seemed a little crazy to most of my friends.

Long story short the car ran beautifully, we finished 5 in class, returned home safely and had a blast. The car took and incredible pounding and just kept going. I dropped wheels into massive pot wholes repeatedly, at one point driving the oil pan into the tarmac, etc. But no matter how badly I screwed up entering/exiting corners, braking on a soaking wet wooden bridge, etc, the car just would not become unsettled. The 928 did everything well; it was fast, comfortable on those 600 KM days, incredibly balanced and forgiving. While other competitors were duct taping, welding, and replacing a myriad of parts my 928 require 0 maintenance!

Driving 140 KM per hour along a winding road with a 100 million year old rock face on one side of the road and a 400 foot drop to the North Atlantic on the other side, there’s no substitute for a 928. Please check out the pictures at the link above.

 

Awesome!

 

That's increidble! Congratulations, and thanks for documenting it!

 

Very well done. Good to see.

 

Thanks for sharing. I never miss the race when it shows up on television. It looks like you aquitted yourself well. Congratulations on a job well done.

 

Now thats how to use your ride to its fullest!
Well done , good luck with your car , Keep em flying !

 

Many would not believe this, but I do.

Congratulations.

 

For the last 8 years I have been flying into St. John's Newfoundland and spending a couple of days there each time. The scenery is incredible to include the girls I've seen at the George Street festival. I can only imagine how incredible it must have been driving the Targa. The locals are some of the most friendly people I have ever met with a certain zest for life that is hard to find. You're my new hero.

BTW I grew up and used to live across the bridge from you in Buffalo, NY. I visit at least twice a year.

 

The targa is an incredible event - well done

I had the generous offer of free entry to the Targa 3 years ago, due to a cancellation. The notice was too brief to line up a co-driver, yada, yada .... so I passed on the opportunity to run a ready S4. You made a better decision ...

 

Well done! I've watched the race on Speed Vision and it seems many cars are wrecked along the way. Congratulations on finishing so well! Nice way to fly the 928 banner!

So did anyone question you about your choice of race platform and later surprised on how well you did? How did you set up/prep the car for the race?

Constantine

 

Very cool...

 

Kudos Jaretts...sounds like an incredible experience. Great pictures! Thanks for posting!

 

Why can't I open the link? As a Newfoundlander I'm dying to see the pictures.
Never mind, figured it out.

 

Awesome adventure, Jaretts!
Great website and pics . . . thanks for pulling it all together for us!

Yes, the 86.5 Rocks!
And,btw -- welcome to Rennlist!

Doc

 

Great write up and great pictures. It look like it was an amazing experience. Me and my wife vacationed up in Nova Scotia 3 years ago and it was a blast. The Cabbot Trail (spelling) offered some of the best driving I have ever encountered.

Chris