Volume 13, Issue 7
July 1st, 2014
Targa Newfoundland
September 14th - 19th, 2014
St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
Writer: Darren Sheppard
Targa Newfoundland Newsletter
Communities of Targa - Trinity Bay North
With Targa moving further into the Bonavista
Peninsula this year, there will be an increase in the
communities we will be experiencing in that part of the
province. The new stages in many of these communities
will bring the event to more people who have not had the
chance to participate and witness the spectacle that is
Targa (the municipality of Trinity Bay North is no
different). Trinity Bay North was incorporated in 2005,
when the towns of Melrose, Catalina, Little Catalina, and
Port Union decided to share their services and to function
as one governing body for their residents. Targa
Newfoundland is extremely happy to be welcomed with
open arms and to use their roads for two stages in the
2014 rally.
Melrose is a typical rural fishing village in
Newfoundland. Until 1904, it was known as Ragged
Harbour. It is likely that the current name was chosen at
that time in honour of Governor William MacGregor, who
grew up near Melrose, Scotland. Ragged Harbour (the
harbour itself is still named that) is partially sheltered by
Ragged Island and is accessible only to small boats, as it is
dotted with several islands and shoals. This is a fine
natural harbour for small boats. Fishing was the main
industry in the area for centuries, but now it is shared
with tourism. Both industries are visible in Melrose to
locals and visitors alike.
Ragged Island just off Melrose
Catalina is the biggest town within the
municipality of Trinity Bay North. Fishing remained the
main occupation of the people of Catalina until the
Twentieth Century. In 1981, Catalina was primarily a
commercial centre and site of one of the largest salt fish
businesses in Eastern Canada, the Mifflin Fisheries
Limited, and a large frozen fish plant operated by Fishery
Products Limited. Blueberries and partridge berries are
picked for commercial sale in the area, however due to
poor soil there is little cultivation. Catalina is also famous
for its ‘Fools Gold’, composed of iron and sulphur, which
is easily seen in the large amount of slate that is found in
the area. With a distinct yellow, sparkling appearance, it
fooled early explorers into thinking they have found large
amounts of gold.
View of Catalina
Little Catalina seems to be made for the naturalist,
nature lovers and fossil enthusiasts, who enjoy exploring
and being one with nature. Little Catalina may hold some
intriguing adventures. The hiking trail from Little Catalina
to Maberly (one of the better scenic hiking trails in
Newfoundland) is something that should be seen and
experienced.
The Coaker Premises
Port Union was an unoccupied area in the
southwest arm of Catalina harbour prior to a 1915 land
purchase by William F. Coaker. The site became the
commercial headquarters for Coaker's Fishermen's
Protective Union (FPU) and the Fishermen's Union
Trading Company. The harbour was normally ice-free
from April to February, large enough to afford anchorage
for 100 or more vessels and had a nearby river with
potential for generating hydro-electric power. In May
1916, work commenced on building the town, which was
named Port Union in December that year. The
Fishermen's Union Trading Company premises were
completed in early 1918 and the Union's corporate
headquarters transferred from St. John's in February.
The premises consisted of a salt fish processing
store, a department store equipped with electric
elevators, a seal oil plant, a machine shop, a forge, a coal
and salt storage shed and a shipyard owned by the Union
Shipbuilding Company. Other facilities included two rows
of wooden duplex houses for employees, a hotel, a
bakery, a small plant to manufacture soft drinks and a
movie theatre. In 1917 a spur railway from the Bonavista
branch railway line at the Catalina station was
constructed to the Union properties. The town was also
home to the Fishermen's Advocate, which was published
weekly until the early 1970s. A convention centre known
as "Congress Hall" (destroyed by fire in the 1960s), was
located on a hill overlooking the Trading Company
premises, and, according to one contemporary, when
lighted up "at night with hundreds of electric lights, inside
and outside, can be seen for miles from sea, a beacon of
unity for fishermen".
Additional information regarding Trinity Bay
North can be obtained by viewing the municipality
website at http://www.trinitybaynorth.com/ or follow
them on Twitter @trinitybaynorth. Targa looks forward
to seeing all the towns located in the municipal when we
run the Bonavista Peninsula North stages of this year’s
event!
Targa in-person presentations available
With less than 3 months remaining before the start of this year’s event, it is very important that potential
competitors understand what is involved with competing and making the trip to Newfoundland and Labrador an enjoyable
experience. With this in mind, Targa has and will continue to provide in-person presentations to interested groups that
would like a representative to provided information, with first-hand experience and a Q & A session about the event. Doug
Mepham, our public relations specialist, and one of the founders of Targa Newfoundland, is available for such a
presentation within the Greater Toronto Area of the country. He has competed in every Targa since its inception in 2002
and has been involved in the automobile and motorsports industry his whole life. He can provide leadership and knowledge
in all aspects of the event and is quite willing to tailor any presentation towards a specific group. If you’d like Doug to give a
presentation to your group, please contact me, Darren Sheppard (registrar@targanewfoundland.com) or at 1-877-332-2413
and I’ll coordinate an introduction between your group and Doug.
Annual motorcycle ride for Autism coming July 13th
The ‘Motorcycle Ride for Autism’ is an annual
motorcycle event in NL dedicated to “raising funds to
support improved programs, services and supports for
persons with autism and their families.” The first ride in
the province took place in 2009; there were just a few
riders. Last year there were just a little fewer than 100
riders participating.
This year’s ride marks the 6th anniversary and it's
the goal of the society to have a minimum of 150 riders
participating and raising funds for the Autism Society!
Scott Crocker is the Autism Society’s Executive
Director and is personally raising funds for the society.
His personal donation page is
https://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.as
px?gpID=37889. There is also the Autism Society
donation page included on his donation page. All of the
funds raised stay in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Any help you are able to give – by donation,
sharing this message with your friends and co-workers,
posting it on conferences, sharing via Facebook, Twitter
and Linked In – is greatly appreciated. There are 5
excellent prizes – riders with a minimum of $500 raised
will have names entered in a draw for those 5 prizes. And
there is the ‘Dice Run’ of course....with a great prize as
well.
Looking forward to great weather and a safe ride
on July 13th – with many riders!
Article contribution from Scott Crocker.
Targa management meet to fine tune plans
The Targa management team met in mid-June to discuss and review the final details for this year’s event. The
meeting was held at the Targa office in St. John’s. A large list of questions, scenarios, and to-do list were discussed. With so
many new stages and areas coming online for the 2014 event, there is a sense of renewed optimism amongst the
management team. These new areas will bring challenges. The terrain the stages will be located on, the over ten
kilometres of taping that will have to be done within Bonavista prior to the stage to insure it is safely marked, and the need
to obtain volunteers in order to safely marshal all stages in the event. The team is ready to meet these challenges and
expect an exciting and action-filled Targa in September.
Green thumb, red and black car - Mark Rittenhouse
Mark’s family business allows him to provide for
his family, employ a large number of people, and gives
him the time and funding that allows him to have a bit of
fun when he isn’t in the office. Meeting Mark for the first
time at last year’s Targa, I found him a tad bit shy, almost
reserved in his presence. Yet, he was serious about being
at the event, about making sure his car was ready, that he
was prepared to meet the challenge that each day and
stage would bring. I like that.
Focus within those who are behind the wheel of a
race car, it is a key element in overall success of the team.
This is his story.
Tell me how you heard about Targa Newfoundland in
the first place and why you decided to enter last year’s
Targa?
I think I first learned about Targa reading Jim
Kenzie's accounts in the Toronto Star. It sounded like a
blast. Talking with other drivers at track days made me
realize Targa is a bucket list thing for gear heads like me.
In 2012, Wendy (my wife) and I went to watch
Targa in person - okay, we were just looking for an excuse
to tour the eastern side of Newfoundland. I think we only
saw 3 stages, 2 of them in a hurricane. I also spoke with
participants at the arenas, and they were the most
important factors that really sold me on trying the Targa.
The late Russ Bullock in particular was very helpful in
explaining the categories, requirements, and numerous
other rookie questions. I left Newfoundland thinking "I
can do this". Signing up for Targa gave me a goal to
improve my performance driving skills and I set out to do
that as soon as I got back to Ontario.
Mark in the shop
I learned a bit more about him while he shared
his time with the Targa team at the Canadian
Motorsports Expo in Toronto back in February. I walked
with him around the expo looking at the cars, even
watching him sit in and check out the possibly of buying a
Radical FR3. He bought it last month and only raced it for
the first time a couple weeks ago (below).
Photo credit: Ryan Dupont
Mark and Wendy at last year's Targa award presentation
After I signed up, I met John Hume Sr. at the
Canadian Motorsports Expo. He really mentored me and
kept me from overanalyzing things. Frank and Dan
Sprongl at Four Star Motorsports took over building the
car. They are both Targa veterans and each time I met
with them was a lesson on its own.
What I thought would be a steep learning curve,
turned out to be relatively easy, with so much guidance
and help available from those men.
Give me some background regarding your racing history
in Ontario? What type of motorsports are you involved
with and how long?
I actually raced Vintage (VARAC) and got behind
the wheel of a Formula Vee when I was still in high school.
I helped a neighbour with his old British cars and a friend
of his needed a driver. That’s what got me hooked on
racing.
Real life sidelined me. I was encouraged to take
over our family business so racing had to be put aside,
but I always maintained a sports car to keep the need for
speed fresh in my blood.
I went back to track days a few years ago with my
Porsche 911. Since Targa last year, we have also built and
are racing a Chump Car (just happy to finish - at Watkins
Glen, more than 90 cars showed up, only 2 of us read the
rules. We took a knife to a gun fight but ended in the top
50).
I re-upped my CASC license this spring and my
next race is in the Radical Cup series - definitely a new
challenge. Weekend driving at home might be in a
vintage British car or a 1948 Chevy pickup that has a top
speed of 50 mph - perfect to get home from the pub.
What does Wendy think of your racing needs? Does she
worry or is she totally supportive when you go off on
your 4 wheel adventures?
Wendy gets to answer this one.
I worry, but I think I'm supportive anyway. I know
they have a roll cage, helmets and a ton of safety
equipment, but after hearing someone hit a tree in the
prologue last year (John Hume Sr., yes the one that gave
Mark the advice about not overanalyzing things…we still
poke fun at him for not even getting out of Prologue), I
preferred to watch Targa on slow corners or from a long
distance. Luckily these were often great viewing points
for Newfoundland scenery as well.
For Mark’s last Chump car race, I was following
the lap times on the Internet and sent a text checking
that everyone was okay if they hadn't recently posted a
lap - they had a few mechanical issues, no crash. I'd
rather worry from close by than half way across the
country, so I’m coming back to watch Targa again this
year.
Tell me about your business.
M.K. Rittenhouse and Sons is 100 years old this
year. It was originally my grandfathers company, building
spray equipment for agriculture, greenhouses, lawn care
and golf courses. I was lucky enough to work with both
my father and grandfather. I started a mail order
catalogue business in 1991 and it matured into the
www.rittenhouse.ca e-commerce site in 2000. Since then,
we have grown to be a major equipment and parts
provider for the lawn care industry across North America.
In addition, we sell professional quality garden tools and
we have been building all the spray equipment for the
Weed Man franchise group since I was a kid, and they are
still growing.
Basically our business is multi-tiered. We have a
factory were we produce spraying equipment, we have a
bunch of e-commerce websites that service the green
industries, we provide high quality gardening tools to
home gardeners. We service Canada from our St.
Catharines, Ontario location and service our American
customers using a handful of fulfilment centres scatter
around the U.S.
We have twenty-five people on staff. I am lucky
to have a number of long term and dedicated employees
(is it because I serve lunch twice a week?) Not only do I
have some who love to work on the cars, as a group they
make possible for me to take the time to play and race.
So if you need some good garden tools, check out
Rittenhouse.ca
After competing in last year’s Targa, you’re coming back
again this year. What were the positive points that
made the decision to return become reality?
Where else can you drive like a monkey on fire on
a public road? Targa is a challenging adventure that
combines a great group of like-minded people together
for the event. I also want the Targa plate you get when
you finish every stage.
It is really about the people you meet. Robert
Semrad, my co-driver, was doing a great job calling the
route, considering both of us were rookies. Leg 3, stage 1
in 2013 unfortunately involved some less than stellar
driving, a ditch, a culvert, a cracked rib and a pretty beat
up car. When I ran to put up the safety triangles, another
team was already doing it for us. Actually they had lost
control on the same corner, bounced off a few things
include a bird house – Chip and Mark ended up in a dip
on the other side of the road. No birds were injured. A
Mini also did some acrobatics in the same corner.
We had the spare parts with us to do the repair
and a great crew of Ken, Ryan and Doug. The car was
taken to Pye's garage; those guys are Newfoundland
hospitality at its best. Five of them worked on the car all
afternoon. When I went back to the site to pick up pieces,
I got to see some of the behind the scenes that makes
Targa work. Robert Giannou was there with the property
owners, smoothing over the problems created by Chip's
and my rearrangement of their landscapes. I was missing
my turbo and my skid plate, but had the parts to drive the
rest of the week.
When we arrived at the arena that evening - the
car being held together by zip ties and gorilla tape, the
applause, handshakes and comments about our Targa
"spirit" we received from the other teams were truly
special. That’s really what made me decide I was going to
do Targa again.
Tell me about your Mitsubishi Evo that you’ll be
competing in again at this year’s Targa.
The Evo is now 2-toned (black and red) covering
up the dings left behind from last year’s race. The
employees that did the work, Ken and Noel, picked the
colour combination. We have also improved the air
intake, and the exhaust to run in Open division instead of
Modern - I just figured I might as well go for it. Four Star
Motorsports also tune it on the Dyno. It’s now a different
car, one I’m going to have to re-learn. With Mark
Laitenberger as my co-driver this year (he is also a Chump
car competitor and found the same ditch as I did last year
in Targa), my aim is to come home with a Targa plate and
maintain the Hume Media motto "keep calm and keep it
on the road."
The Evo in its 2013 Targa paint scheme
Autism Society of Newfoundland & Labrador recognizes Robert Giannou & Targa
Darren Sheppard (L) & Wayne Rodgers accepting Robert Giannou’s certificate and print from the Autism Society on his behalf
The Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador held its annual Volunteer Thank You social earlier the month.
Targa President Robert Giannou was 1 of 3 individuals who were honoured with a certificate of appreciation and a print for
their years of service in fundraising and awareness of Autism in the province. Robert’s print was that of Sir Elton John.
Robert was unable to attend due to a prior work function, so in his place Sponsorship Coordinator Wayne Rodgers and I
attended. Tom Jackman, long time Targa volunteer and Autism Society Self Advocate Representative took the picture.
Robert and Targa Newfoundland would like to thank the Autism Society for this recognition and the
acknowledgement of the partnership between the 2 organizations, which is now heading into its 5th year together.
Transportation Options from Toronto and the southwest U.S. to Targa
We ran this article back in the April issue of the newsletter, but it doesn’t hurt to remind competitors that there is
still time to use the two transportation options for transporting their vehicles to Targa. Time is key! Do not wait to book a
ride on either of these options. Contact them immediately!
Scott Robbins purchased a big rig that can easily transport 7 enclosed vehicles in comfort. He also has available 4
open spots on another trailer for those who don't mind having their vehicles exposed to the elements. In total, he has 3
truck/trailer combinations that he plans on using to haul vehicles down from the Toronto area to Targa this September.
He'll be bringing the loads down and can pick up vehicles as the convoy moves east. He'll also bring them back. Please
contact Scott Robbins at srobbi@hotmail.com for quotes or further information on how to get on one of his truck/trailer
combinations for the trip here in September! He is also willing to provide crew to service the vehicles, so that too can be an
option along with the transportation.
We also have a company located in Phoenix, Arizona that has obtained a solution in regards to transporting vehicles
from the U.S. to Targa Newfoundland in September. The driver/operator (Terry Eick) is well known in racing circles as a
truck driver and transportation expert. He has experience with many race teams and also understands the complications of
crossing international borders. He quotes differently than most because he provides a more custom level of service. He will
pick up the cars in Phoenix and then head northeast, stopping to pick up any others along the way. The custom difference
with Terry is that he will be in Newfoundland for the entire race, following the route, and be available for service stops and
evening services. He will carry tools, tires and spare parts. He’ll also have a smaller chase truck to provide service all along
the race route.
Contact Tim Smart at tim@smartysgarage.com / (480) 381 - 2264 / www.smartysgarage.com.
Or driver/operator Terry Eick at teick@mindspring.com / (602) 549 - 2154. Both can give you details on the cost of getting
your vehicle in on the trip and any other questions you may have regarding transport.
Brake for Safety
By Janet Brake
When driving in darkness, dim your dash lights as low as practicable. The reduced light in the cockpit of your
vehicle will help your pupils remain dilated and improve your night vision. This is very helpful on those nights when the
road is wet and the sky overcast.
Racing with the Reverend back for another shot at Targa
Canon David Burrows and his team are back for
Racing with the Reverend – Take 2, in this year’s Targa
Newfoundland. Canon Burrows took part in Targa 2012
and raised a tremendous amount of awareness for autism
in Newfoundland and Labrador, while raising over
$40,000.00 in funds for the Autism Society of
Newfoundland and Labrador.
Canon Burrows believes competing in Targa will
once again bring awareness and much needed funding to
ASNL. “Some might think we’re silly, some might roll
their eyes, and even more might think we’re just out to
drive some snazzy cars and have a good time. The truth
of the matter is; Yes, we will enjoy the racing and touring
aspect of all this, but that comes with lots of behind the
scenes dotting of i’s and crossing of t’s, marketing and
planning meetings…and there is even more to come.”
2014 Scion FR-S
Canon Burrows launched Racing with the
Reverend – Take 2 on June 4th at the Parish of the
Ascension in Mount Pearl . A crowd of supporters and
dignitaries attended the launch. MHA Paul Lane, Mayor
of Mount Pearl Randy Simms, ASNL Patron and Honorary
Board Member Elaine Dobbin, and President of Targa
Newfoundland Robert Giannou were in attendance.
Canon Burrows continued by saying “after all is
said and done, the real satisfaction comes from knowing
we are helping the Autism Society of Newfoundland and
Labrador. They in turn, use the funds we have raised to
help some good families who are affected by Autism. If
all our hard work pays off by helping to make their lives
just a little easier, then we consider this Outreach Project
a success.”
Photos taken by John and Judi from Stone Photography
Studio
For more info on Racing with the Reverend and to
support this campaign, please follow along
at: http://theracingreverend.com/
2014 Scion tC
Article contribution by Greg Knott, Autism Society of
Newfoundland and Labrador.
Conclusion of Targa Accreditation Program
Class picture of the 2014 Special Volunteer’s who participated in the Safety Accreditation Program taught by Targa. The 6
session course, which was taught over a 6 week period, focused on multiple angles of the event, from overall safety,
communication techniques, logistics, dealing with the public, competitor issues, and other important topics. On average,
thirty volunteers attended each session in person, while others who are located in different parts of North America will
learn the manuals themselves and complete their written accreditation exam on their own time. Targa would like to thank
everyone who gave up their time to attend and is thrilled to have them joining us on the road for Targa 2014!
Targa Newfoundland Contacts
Robert Giannou
President
rgiannou@targanewfoundland.com
303 Thorburn Road, Suite 2-D
St John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
A1B 4R1
Cell: 709-682-7900 Tel: 877-332-2413 Fax: 709-753-7646
www.targanewfoundland.com
Darren Sheppard
Registrar
registrar@targanewfoundland.com
303 Thorburn Road, Suite 2-D
St John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
A1B 4R1
Tel: 709-722-2413 Tel: 877-332-2413 Fax: 709-753-7646
www.targanewfoundland.com
Targa Newfoundland Sponsors