Targa Tasmania won’t be returning in April 2024 after all.
The event was set to return following a fatal crash involving a competitor in 2022.
But Targa Australia has now confirmed it’s postponing a return of its tarmac rally events until 2025.
The 31st running of Targa Tasmania, initially scheduled for 8-13 April 2024, will now be held from 28 April-3 May 2025.
The Tasmanian Government has committed to the event, extending the current five-year agreement. This agreement will now cover 2025 to 2029.
“In recent weeks it has become clear that the full scope of work needed for a successful return makes running the event in April 2024 an unachievable task,” said Targa CEO Mark Perry.
“While the further delay of our return will be sad news for thousands of people, we must ensure we get everything right first.
“This delay will enable us to finalise a number of key components while also fully supporting the ongoing coronial inquest which should see us in a position to implement all relevant recommendations from this process for the 2025 Targa Tasmania.
“We fully understand that this is a bitter blow for competitors, officials, sponsors, and the Tasmanian tourism industry, but we are taking a long-term view to secure the future of Targa Tasmania and we appreciate everyone’s ongoing support in the year ahead.
“Targa will continue to work tirelessly throughout 2024, maintaining regular communications with the many thousands of people around the world who follow the event, with the clear aim of implementing a myriad of positive changes in preparation for a much-anticipated return in 2025.”
Targa Australia announced in July it was cancelling all future races while Motorsport Australia’s safety review process is undertaken, with a timeframe yet to be determined.
It also announced it would sever ties with Motorsport Australia as they no longer aligned in values.
Targa CEO Mark Perry said in July the review process and the time it has taken ultimately has affected Targa’s decision to align with Motorsport Australia.
“Our events can only be run with the support of our loyal participants, and on the whole, they are understandably disenchanted with the current landscape, and we completely understand why,” said Mr Perry.
“We have waited and been incredibly patient with the process put in place, however this process has now taken a year longer than similar reviews in the past.”
The safety review process has now been in progress for around 18 months.
