Targa Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is SCCA Targa?
Targa is a four‑day, multi‑track, road‑and‑track adventure that blends spirited driving, driver development, road travel, and friendly competition. Teams travel from track to track each day, experiencing new facilities and unique formats along the way.
How long is a Targa event?
Each event runs Wednesday afternoon through Saturday morning, with an optional (but encouraged) chance to stay for the Tire Rack SCCA Time Attack Challenge at the final track.
Why should I do Targa?
Because you have always wanted to do a marathon, but hate running. Because, if one automotive event per weekend is good, six must be great. Because you like a challenge. Because you love having fun with cars.
I have never done anything like this before, can I do Targa?
Absolutely. If this is your first ever performance driving event, we highly recommend (and perhaps insist), that you sign up for the Novice Experience. The Novice Experience will let you do everything that everyone else does, but with the guidance and facilitation of the Novice Coach. If it turns out, you don’t need the help, no problem, we can bump you up to Intermediate/Advanced, but Novice is definitely the place to start.
Do I have to compete in Time Attack to do Targa?
No. Targa and TAC are now separate registrations. You can do either or both.
If you do both, you get a 10% TAC discount.
Is my car eligible?
The vast majority of road-going vehicles are eligible for Targa. Terms and conditions for convertibles and highly modified cars are spelled out in the rules and regs, and vehicles such as trucks, minivans, and SUVs must be wider than they are tall.
How do the points work?
You do well, you get more points, you do poorly, you get less. Fun will be awarded evenly, regardless of a team’s point total.
What if I don’t care about competition?
Fantastic. Sign up for Targa Experience. Your team will get a few more runs than the competition teams and there will be some special awards here and there just for the folks who sign up just for fun.
Wait, you are going to let a car with a cold air intake run in a street class?
Yup. It’s not quite subjective classing, though. There are classes based upon Autocross classes but we are not going to bump a car up a class because of a single modification that would otherwise be disallowed.
Does the SEB Know about this?
We sent a memo, not sure if they got it.
Will my life change if I win?
It will. You can add this to your professional resume and it should be mentioned on first dates. Your neighbors will look at you differently and your dad will finally tell you that he is proud of you.
What happens if I crash or break?
Ultimately, it’s the competitor’s responsibility to create a contingency plan for Targa. We recommend bringing whatever spares and tools you can, and it is probably a good idea to let your buddy who has a truck and trailer know what you are up to that weekend, just in case. That said, we will do all that we can to get you back on the road or back home, even if it means we have to call our buddy with a truck. But, you’re gonna owe him, big time.
Do I need to get numbers for my car?
Competition teams are required to run numbers. Class designations will be provided. If you have numbers, great. If you want to get some on your own, that’s fine too. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle, however, you can order them with your event entry and pick up at check in. Entries with number orders must be received before August 1st.
How’s this whole “Co-driver/Teammate” thing work?
The teammate dynamic is up to you to manage. You can split events or have a performance driver and a support driver, or anything in between.
Are you guys nuts?
That’s for us to know, and you to find out.
Registration & Pricing
How much does Targa cost?
$975 per team for the 2026 Targa (any route).
Teams then receive 10% off the Time Attack Challenge that follows.
When does registration open?
February 2 (Groundhog Day) for all 2026 events.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Through SCCA’s updated registration system, participants can pay in four equal installments. If you register for multiple routes, you still only pay the first installment at checkout.
Is there a team size limit?
No. Single drivers, two‑driver teams, and even larger crews (yes—minivan teams are real) are all allowed.
Vehicles & Drivers
What kind of car do I need?
Almost any well‑maintained street or track car can run Targa, so long as it passes standard SCCA Time Trials tech. Cars must be safe, reliable, and suitable for multi‑hour transits.
Can I run a different car at the Time Attack Challenge than I used for Targa?
Yes. Your Targa car and your TAC car do not have to be the same.
Do I need an SCCA membership?
Yes, but weekend memberships are available if needed.
Do both drivers have to drive?
No. Teams may share driving however they like. A “team” can also be one driver and one non‑driving co‑driver (navigator, friend, kid, moral support human).
On‑Track Format
What does a typical track day look like?
Each track day includes:
- 4 paced laps
- A TrackSprint (when the facility allows)
- Two practice sessions
- Two competition sessions
- Session 1: Best single lap
- Session 2: Three‑lap cumulative
Teams get six separate on‑track opportunities per day.
Is Targa beginner‑friendly?
Absolutely. The TrackSprint and paced laps make learning accessible, and transits create natural downtime between sessions.
Travel & Logistics
Are transits required?
Yes. Driving between tracks is part of the Targa experience. Distances vary by route but range from short hops to multi‑hour scenic drives.
Can I trailer my car?
Yes, but trailers must be managed by the team. Some final‑track facilities allow staging or early drop‑off; details appear in each event’s Supplemental Regulations.
Are hotel blocks provided?
Yes. Preferred hotels and meeting times will be released earlier and more clearly than ever for the 2026 season.
What happens if weather interrupts the event?
Targa operates rain or shine. Severe weather adjustments follow standard SCCA safety protocols.
Competition & Scoring
How does scoring work?
Scoring is based on timed competition sessions at each track. Drivers/teams accumulate results across multiple days and venues.
Do both drivers have to set times?
No. Teams can choose who drives each session. A single driver may complete all competitive laps.
Choosing a Route
Which Targa should I do?
Each route has its own personality:
- Tex‑ish: Long distances, big tracks, and the least‑known bucket‑list venue in the country—Hedge Hollow.
- Southland / Carolina: Roval start, NCCAR in both directions, and the first-ever Targa oval experience at North Wilkesboro.
- New England: Epic drivers’ tracks (Palmer, LRP), plus the optional Mount Washington Auto Road.
- Great Lakes: Ferry crossings, Tire Rack HQ shenanigans, and classic Midwest road courses.
If you want help making a recommendation based on experience level, car type, or travel budget, just ask!
Future of Targa
What does Targa need to continue in 2027?
We’re aiming for ~40 entries per event across the four routes. Early sign‑ups help us secure tracks, staff appropriately, and keep the program growing.
