Targa drivers hitting region's roads for a weekend of speed

More than 24 Targa drivers are testing their skills on our most challenging roads this weekend. Photograph/Proshotz Photography

It's Targa time again and that means race cars, drivers, and the Rotorua community are hitting the region's roads for a weekend of speed.

A variety of schools and community groups will be out in force marshalling and providing lunch to participants and organisers in the Ngakuru, Hamurana and Paradise Valley areas.

This year organisers have also enlisted the help of community groups from Te Teko/Matata as stages are being raced there for the first time in many years, said Targa Event co-ordinator, Anita Greenland.

"We know we have had a successful Targa when our competitors, our volunteers and officials have had an enjoyable time," she said.

"We keep coming back to Rotorua because we have great support from the council and the community, and it has the accommodation as well as the activities for international and national drivers who want to spend more time in the city.

"The area also has the type of roads drivers need - lots of tight corners and fast straights. They can't be boring as we need to challenge the drivers."

The public is welcome to view race stages over the weekend, but Ms Greenland advises the best viewing will be where stages intersect with open roads for ease of getting in and out, "otherwise you might be stuck for hours on one stage".

She said the Village Green was open to the public for viewing cars and on Saturday night the public can get a closer look as mechanics and drivers service their cars.

Road closures:
Saturday
Bryce Rd, Ngakuru 7am - 1pm
Mangatete Rd 7.30am - 1.30pm
Rollet Rd, Putaruru 12.15pm - 6.15pm
Waiomou Rd, 1.10pm - 4.40pm
Sunday:
Manawahe Rd, 7.30am - 1.30pm
Tahuna/Galatea Rd, 8.30am - 12pm
Hamurana Rd, 1.25pm - 4.55pm
Paradise Valley Rd, 1.55pm - 5.25pm

What: TARGA
Where: The Village Green
When: Saturday and Sunday