Targa Newfoundland 2016 Begins

We've arrived on the Rock once again for Targa Newfoundland 2016. After a long day of travel, we arrived early Friday morning and were looking forward to picking up the Audi from Trans Can. After last year's Targa, the Audi went back to Ottawa for safe keeping and some tune ups from Rob Kleins at Robson Racing. She is in great shape and just how we remember her!

Holy moly - we're on the program cover! 

I met Dad at LAX from PHX and we then flew together to Toronto (in the pretty light above) then on to St. John's.

We are again in the Grand Touring Class. There is no "equiped" and "unequipped" this year - they are combined to one larger Grand Touring division. It was "unequipped" that we lucked out to win last year and it is fun to be in a larger, more competitive class this year.

Friday was a day of picking up the car, running errands, and getting situated. Yesterday was tech and we passed with no problems, receiving our official car number and sponsor decals.

Today was the prologue - a test day for everyone and a qualification for tomorrow's official start. It was good to work out the kinks after not being in this car for a year. All cars ran through 4 sections and it was much needed. After completely forgetting about my timers in the first section, I got back on track for the second. The community of Flat rock served us a traditional Newfie meal (mashed turnips, yay! *sarcasm*). But really, the food was delicious and the generosity of the towns we overtake is applaudable. These small villages are gracious hosts to close down their roads and towns for a day and put up with a bunch of car nuts.

Driver's meeting before prologue

The weather Friday and Saturday were sub-par but today made up for them. After wind and rain and chill, today's sunshine and warmth was much appreciated.

A traditional Newfie meal - roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, mashed turnips, peas & carrots.

A gorgeous day in Flatrock at the Community Center

A few minutes to soak up this beautiful sight in Bauline

Off on an early start in the morning with breathalizer at 6:15am. Then we rally our way off the St. John's peninsula and finishing tomorrow in Clarenville, our home until Friday.