The addition of a new Showroom Sports class, for two wheel drive vehicles that sell for between $100,000 and $200,000, is one of a raft of changes announced for the 2012/13 CAMS Australian Targa Championship.
The move is expected to have strong appeal to the manufacturers of the finest performance cars from Europe and the United States.
The series has also adopted a brand new points system designed to create an even closer competition, and allocated a 50% bonus point loading for Supaloc Targa Adelaide, the opening round from August 22 to 26.
The second round of the Championship, Targa High Country, will take place out of Victoria’s Mt Buller on November 9 to 11, with the third round, Targa Wrest Point in Hobart, being held from February 2 to 3. The series will end with Targa Tasmania from April 16 to 21, which will again attract double points.
A new ‘best three rounds’ points system will allow competitors who compete in all four legs to drop their lowest round, gaining a valuable second chance at championship success, while also giving those who miss a round a realistic chance of securing the title.
Series Director, Mark Perry from Octagon, believes that the changes will add to the Championship’s appeal.
“We are very excited with the creation of the new Showroom Sports car competition as it is sure to attract those amongst Europe’s and the US’s finest performance machines, with Porsche, BMW, Audi, Chevrolet and Ford all certain to make appearances,” Perry said.
Entries are now open for all four rounds of the championship, with early bird prices on offer for a $500 deposit per round.
The Championship now offers nine classes, including a title for Regularity:
Modern
Early Modern
Showroom
Showroom 4WD
Showroom Sports
Late Classic
Early Classic
Classic Outright
Regularity
“The introduction of Regularity is for those competitors wishing to enjoy the spirit of Targa competition that still requires great thought and planning while removing the requirements of full competition vehicles,” Perry said.
The 2012/2013 CAMS Australian Targa Championship Technical Regulations will be released on 31 May.
“The great news is that it will be ‘business as usual’ to avoid any major or costly modifications for competitors,” Perry said.
“The regulations will include rules for the new Showroom Sports, which will be very similar to the current Showroom regulations.
“The move to open up Supaloc Targa Adelaide to modern cars is very exciting for the series, and for a new group of competitors who will finally get the chance to take their cars on these brilliant Adelaide roads,” Perry said.
“And for those Classic Adelaide competitors coming back, we remind them that we are acknowledging the Plate system from previous years and like Targa Tasmania, Targa plates are awarded to all competitors completing each stage under the trophy time.”
“So to all the Classic Adelaide drivers out there, don’t miss the opportunity to secure your gold, platinum or even diamond Supaloc Targa Adelaide Plate.”
Competitor enquiries should be directed to Todd Grant on 03 6221 8855 or todd.grant@octagon.com.
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