By Derek Schlennstedt
For the first time in its 101-year existence, the most historic and prestigious road race, the Targa Florio, will take place outside of Sicily and across Victoria, and will include in its route Healesville, Warburton and Marysville.
Driving from San Remo, the vehicles are expected to arrive in Healesville on 2 December, and then will depart Healesville on 3 December, bound for Melbourne.
On 11 August, at The Surf Coast Hotel in Torquay, Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren, in conjunction with Major Partner Visit Victoria, made the announcement and confirmed that Victoria had officially and exclusively secured a deal to the event’s hosting rights.
Mr Eren acknowledged the event as a significant opportunity to showcase Victoria and increase its position on the global classic and luxury car circuit.
“The Targa Florio is a symbol for the passion of cars, luxury and adventure – and we’re delighted that the organisers have chosen Victoria to stage the first-ever race outside of Italy,” Mr Eren said.
“These classic cars will travel to some of our most breathtaking destinations, breathing more life into regional communities across Victoria.”
“Our love of sport and fast cars, coupled with our beautiful scenery and large Italian community, makes us the perfect host for such an occasion.”
In the same manner as the famous Sicilian event, the Targa Florio Australian Tribute race will see over 200 historical race cars including Ferraris unfold over four days, with two main races being run on the same route with the same rules and trials.
One of those sections will include Healesville in it, and the classic vehicles will, on their fourth day, do a round trip from Healesville along the Reefton Spur and to Warburton before heading to Kinglake and then back towards Melbourne.
The Targa Florio Australian Tribute classic car regularity race is open to cars from 1906 to 1976 that will compete at an average speed of max 50 km/h.
Historically and before Formula 1 racing, the Targa Florio was the most difficult and challenging race for cars across the globe, attracting the international racing car drivers and car manufacturers, such as Alfa Romeo, (FIAT) Abarth, Ferrari, Bugatti, Lancia, Maserati, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche.
Today, the Targa Florio is not just the world’s most ancient road race that attracts an international following, but a tribute to classic cars and beautiful scenery for people to adore – this year from a Victorian stage.
The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) CEO Eugene Arocca said the event would further boost Victoria’s status as a major supporter of the very best events in world motor sport.
“As the national sporting body for four-wheeled motor sport, we are extremely proud to be associated with such an iconic, international motor sport event, and congratulate the event organisers, Visit Victoria and the Victorian Government for hosting the Targa Florio on some of our most famous roads,” Mr Arocca said.
“We can’t wait for this to get underway at the end of this year, and are looking forward to seeing yet another amazing motorsport event being held in Australia, on top of other memorable events such as Victoria’s own Formula One Australian Grand Prix and the Australian round of the World Rally Championship,” Mr Arocca added.
To pay homage to the event’s heritage and format, the Australian Tribute will receive a “Made in Italy” theme, including culture and lifestyle intertwined with innovation, highlights and experiences that showcase Australia, and, of course, Victoria.
