Motorsport Australia acknowledges Coroner Simon Cooper’s findings into the Targa Tasmania inquest handed down on 19 June 2025. Motorsport Australia’s Board and Management extends condolences to the family and friends of the competitors who lost their lives at Targa Tasmania.

The Coroner’s findings are the culmination of a substantial coronial investigation which commenced in 2021 and included a three-day hearing in the Hobart Magistrates Court in August 2024. Motorsport Australia participated openly in this inquest and cooperated fully with the requests from the coronial team.

Coroner Cooper’s report provides important recommendations for the sport and endorsed the work of the external Targa Review Panel established by Motorsport Australia in the wake of the fatal incidents in 2021 and 2022.

CEO of Motorsport Australia, Sunil Vohra addressed the findings.

“The endorsement of the Motorsport Australia Review Panel’s recommendations is clear, with focus on recommendations relating to vehicle suitability and the role of key officials during an event,” Vohra said.

“The Coroner noted the importance of fitness to compete, citing the significance of medical assessments in competition licencing and that robust structures are required to help ensure licence holders are fit for the intensity of racing”.

Vohra reinforced the governing body’s commitment to making the sport as safe as practicable.

“Safety is constantly evolving in motorsport and to maintain best practice requires deep experience, technical expertise and effective regulatory standards. Motorsport Australia will continue to prioritise actions to improve safety in all forms of motorsport in Australia.”

“The tragic loss of competitors in the sport we all love is a stark reminder that no matter the level, motorsport carries inherent risk – and the wellbeing of the motorsport community must remain the highest priority.”

Motorsport Australia supports Coroner Cooper’s findings, and in particular that ‘there is no room for non-compliance with any aspect of the regulatory regime’.

The Coroner made it clear that any potential future running of Targa Tasmania would need to incorporate the upgraded rules proposed by the Motorsport Australia investigatory tribunal, including new restrictions on vehicle eligibility and permitted speeds.

To date, Motorsport Australia has not received an application to sanction the 2025 Targa Tasmania event.