Targa? What’s SCCA Targa?

Can you, your car and your friends join in on SCCA Targa?  That depends -- Do you like cars, driving, partying and having fun with people?  If yes, then Targa is indeed targeted toward you!

August 11-14, the Sports Car Club of America will hold its first Targa shindig, named Targa Southland. This jamboree caravan will combine Track Night, Solo and Road Rally adventures with a roving party.  The automotive festivity begins at Charlotte Motor Speedway before the party train travels along to Atlanta Motorsports Park, then Chattanooga, Tennessee, and finally on to NCM Motorsports Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

But perhaps you have a half-dozen questions.  If so, then here’s a half-dozen answers:

Q): Can anyone do Targa?

A): Yes!!  Anyone can do SCCA Targa!!  Each “team” needs at least one licensed driver with a state-issued, I can drive on everyday roads, driver’s license.  Beyond that, we’d suggest someone who could plausibly read a map and navigate.  The rest of the “team” can be anyone.  Your kids too old to leave at home or they’ll throw a raging party at the house?  Yup, bring them -- for sure -- to SCCA Targa.

 

Q): Does SCCA Targa have a “social” aspect?

A): Yes! … SCCA Targa IS ALL ABOUT bonding with friends, a spouse, family members and complete strangers! We mentioned there was a welcome party and a car show, right?  And there’s an option to participate in scheduled cook-outs for the supercheap, meal-plan price of only $40 that offers perhaps slightly burnt meats off a grill during lunches and dinners.

 

Q): Is SCCA Targa a team sport?

A): Why wouldn’t you haul party people along on the party train? Yes, this is a team sport! Rules and Regs require at least two people be on each team and in the car for the Road Rally and each transit.  Team participants can split up driving per “specialists” across various automotive disciplines. 

 

Q): Do I have to compete?

A): Nope, you don’t have to “compete.”  SCCA Targa has seven competition classes, but there are also experiential groups (Novice/Intermediate/Advanced) for those that want to hammer down on fun and enjoy the ride without complications.

 

Q): I’ve never done anything like this before.  Is that OK?

A): We’ve never done anything like this, either!  That’s why this is the “first” SCCA Targa.  But this Club has done a lot … I mean A LOT … of automotive stuff before.  So, there’s no problem. Targa has a built-in “Novice Experience” just for newbies like you.  Heck, since this is the first ever SCCA Targa, everyone is a newbie!!

 

Q): I’ve got a car and know someone else who has a car.  Can we both do SCCA Targa?

A): As long as you have keys to the cars, legally, here’s the score: Vehicles must be street legal and wider than they are tall.  Convertibles are a tad more complex, so check out the rules here.

 

Q): Do participants need to be SCCA members?

A): Nope, but they’ll be SCCA members before starting Targa.  They’ll get a dirt-cheap membership at just $50, and the troublemakin’ teens get a free membership.

Targa Southland is just the beginning.  Future Targa’s will be designed and adapted from this first event.  If you want to help fashion future SCCA Targa events -- while having a blast with cars and partying all along the way -- we hope you’d join this first fun run.

Last one to sign up gets the burnt hamburgers and hotdogs!

 

Photo Credit: Daniel Cutrer