The Make Smoking History Targa South West will have a modified format in 2023 as it opens this year’s account in Pemberton later this month.
 
A solid field of 30 competitors will take on the 14th edition of the event, where they will race against the clock on 16 short stages across one jam-packed day – a recent change back by popular demand.
 
Unlike previous years, this month’s event will run as two rallysprints with competitors to complete 31 competitive kilometres over eight stages in the morning before tackling the remaining eight stages in the afternoon, which is made up of 41 competitive kilometres.
 
In the lead up to the event, organisers will hold a shakedown for those looking to get some extra seat time in the lead up and the $100 entry free to be donated to a local charity.
 
Ahead of the 14th Make Smoking History Targa South West, Event Director Ross Tapper was pleased to get the 2023 season underway.
 
“Our goal for Targa South West has always been to create a highly enjoyable competitive environment for classic and modern vehicles where the whole spirit of the event is centred on inclusivity, participation, camaraderie and enjoying the thrill of the open road in a controlled and safe environment,” Tapper said.
 
“I would like to thank the Shire of Manjimup for their continued support of Targa South West and for allowing us to go rallying on their roads.
 
“We could not run the event without the tremendous support of our Officials, both locally and those who come down from different regions.”
 
The healthy entry list will be made up of multiple classes in addition to outright honours, including Competition Modern, Competition Classic, Targa 130 (speed limit of 130 kilometres per hour) and Targa 165 (speed limit of 165 kilometres per hour).
 
Each car will begin their runs at 30-second intervals with the driver having the lowest accumulated time to take out top honours in the rallysprint.
 
Click here for more information on the event.
 
The Make Smoking History Targa South West will be held in Pemberton, WA on Saturday 18 March.