|
Why hold a Targa Canada West event in the Nakusp and Arrow Lakes Area?
The Kootenays has what it takes to host an international motorsport event – the venues, the exciting roads, the scenery – and most of all, the community spirit essential to staging a successful event.
Who competes in Targa?
Anyone and everyone – Targa attracts drivers and co-drivers from novice to expert who compete in any of different classes in vehicles ranging from Classic to Modern (whether original specification or modified).
What is the history of Targa?
Targa Canada West's events are patterned after three current annual Targa-style competitive tarmac rallies in Tasmania (Est. 1992), New Zealand (Est. 1995), and Newfoundland (Est. 2002).
Historically, Targa is based on the original Targa Florio, an Italian road competition that began in 1906 on the island of Sicily. Local and international car owners tested their vehicles and driving skills on the windy roads of the Italian countryside with the victor presented with a beautiful enamel and bronze ‘targa' or plate to display proudly.
How will I be affected by the proposed road closures?
For safety, residents along the proposed event route or on routes that feed directly into the proposed route will not be able to travel on those roads during the proposed road closure period. Depending on the number of competition cars entered in the event, road closures could last from 3-6 hours. Closures of 5-6 hours will include at least one opening for local traffic access, while Emergency vehicles and personnel will have access at ALL times. While 911 is the number to call in case of any emergency, residents will have access to a toll free number to contact event officials at any time during the event to report any kind of extenuating circumstances or an urgent situation that could require a pause in the event.
Is Targa safe?
Targa events have an excellent safety record. To ensure the safety of the public, volunteers and competitors, Targa Canada West intends for this to be a fully sanctioned and insured event by the highest levels of Canadian motorsport authority. Planning includes road assessments, application to government for temporary road closure during the event, stringent safety equipment requirements, enforcement of speed limits monitored by radar/GPS and experienced motorsport workers.
How fast do Targa entrants drive?
World-class motorsport competitors with full safety equipment (roll-cage, approved helmet, fire suppression, etc.), in the Performance Category, may reach an instantaneous speed of 195 km/h and a maximum average speed of 130 km/h. Those entrants in the touring class, Precision Category, are aiming for a precise time based on an average that is below the roads stated speed limit. All Targa stages/courses are designed to test skill and accuracy rather than outright speed. All competitors must complete a driver training and safety course and submit to an inspection of vehicle and safety equipment.
Are vehicles allowed to pass one another during the event?
With Targa's classing system and 60 second interval between vehicles at the start, the necessity for passing (overtaking) another vehicle will be minimized. Any overtaking is to be unchallenged by the vehicle being overtaken and that vehicle must yield to the vehicle approaching from behind. This system works well in Targa events around the world.
Do cars ever accidentally leave the road?
In any motorsport, just as in daily driving, there is a risk that an automobile will accidentally leave the road. Vehicles have left the road in rare cases in other Targa events; however, the overwhelming majority of any such incidents have been minor with no injury to people. Drivers who enter Targa are very intent on completing the event safely and preventing damage to their vehicles, to themselves or to property, and drive in order to achieve this.
How are you going to make sure residents are safe during the event?
Roads are closed to local traffic by internationally tested and accepted motorsport protocols and include warning tape, barriers and signage.
- Professional traffic control will be carried out at the entrance to the event stage so no vehicles other than event participants have access to the stage while event participants are driving the road.
- Targa event experts conduct careful road assessments to determine hazards such as tight corners, embankments, residences close to the road and other infrastructure that drivers should note. All hazards or cautions are noted in course handbooks distributed to all drivers and reviewed in event safety training mandatory for all participants.
- Radar is used in multiple locations to ensure speed restrictions are followed by all event participants. In areas that are at risk for higher speeds (long straight sections) speed restriction zones may be put in place and monitored by radar.
- Resident Safety Pamphlet – containing much the same information as the Spectator Pamphlet, it will be enhanced with contact phone number for Emergency Contact with TCW officials and safety guidelines for residents during the event, on their own property.
How are you going to make sure spectators are safe during the event?
TCW establishes safe spectator areas and distributes a Spectator Safety Pamphlet - containing information and maps about where to safely view the event, as well as basic information about safety around moving cars and a key to relevant signage and signals used by TCW.
- At least 60 minutes before event competition begins on the route, the TCW logistics manager and staff will tape (with banner or ribbon) all gates and driveways, as well as block off each road intersecting the route.
- Some 30 minutes before the entrants will race on the route, Pilot Car 00 will proceed up the route of travel to confirm that all barriers, signage, and ribbon is in place.
- Approximately 10 minutes before the 1st car is to be released, Pilot Car 0 will proceed up the route at speed, displaying flashing Red & Yellow lights as well as sounding a siren meaning competition cars are imminent within a few minutes, as explained the TCW safety pamphlet.
How are you going to make sure volunteers are safe during the event?
- Volunteers are selected on their suitability for the required position. They then undergo comprehensive safety training prior to being assigned to work with an experienced motorsport volunteer. This experienced motorsport volunteer is trained in course safety and etiquette and is under the supervision of the Emergency and Competition directors. These Emergency and Completion directors are responsible for organizing and assigning experienced volunteers to their tasks based on each volunteer's extent of motorsport expertise.
- What is TCW going to do in the case of an emergency during the event? Emergency services will be able to respond as they normally would during any emergency in a community. Part of our safety plan ensures event headquarters will be in direct radio contact with emergency services and with the TCW Emergency Director so the event can be stopped immediately to allow first responders to safely provide assistance to anyone who needs it.
- What about a non-life-threatening emergency like a flooded basement? Two weeks before the event, Targa Canada West will publicize a dedicated local landline phone number to each household in the proposed event areas so residents will be able to contact TCW organizers for updates on conditions, schedules, and non 9-1-1 emergency situations (eg. flooding basement).
What is TCW going to do if property is damaged during the event?
Targa Canada West and all competitors will be fully insured for motorsport participation. This insurance is comprehensive and designed specifically to cover risks to property or persons associated with motorsport activities.
Is Targa a good example for young drivers - doesn't it encourage speeding?
TCW encourages anyone of legal driving age who is interested in motorsports to participate in a safe and controlled event that is focused on course accuracy and skill as a positive alternative to illegal street racing. Targa is supported by the RCMP "RNR" a program designed to deter illegal and dangerous street racing in BC communities.
How does Targa benefit regions like the Kootenays?
Other Targa host communities report a boost in tourism revenue and national and international media attention for their community that leads to increased visits before, during and after Targa events. TCW provides local residents opportunities to participate in the event as a service provider, volunteer or competitor. Targa host communities also report being proud to host an international event – with world class drivers and vehicles – in their community.
How will TCW benefit local communities and residents?
In addition to regional benefits, TCW offers host communities the opportunity to be part of an interesting and exciting international event – whether as participants, volunteers or spectators. We also invite communities to approach us with ideas for other possible benefits to local residents.
How is Targa a sustainable event?
Targa Canada West aims to be environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. This means we support green technologies, purchase carbon offsets, bring tourism dollars and global exposure to the regions in which we stage our events, and look for local ideas on how we can find unique ways to benefit the communities that lend us their roads.
Will TCW clean up all materials or refuse from the event after it is over?
TCW will clean up all event materials and refuse so we leave the event course and spectator areas in the same or better condition than before the event was held.
How will TCW keep local residents informed about the event?
Local residents and stakeholders will have an opportunity to be part of the TCW Stakeholder Roundtable Committee and provide ongoing input and advice about the event to event organizers and to deliver that information to members of their communities. TCW will continue to provide event updates by email or mail to all those who provide their contact information at our public open house.
Local residents and remote residents will also be notified of the event with media announcements, local signage indicating the extent of the affected areas, and a phone number and email contact to get Spectator or Resident Pamphlets.
What is TCW doing to address its effects on the environment?
Each Targa class includes vehicles that use ‘green' technology such as modern hybrids and demonstration project vehicles. Whether vehicles are powered by a conventional gasoline engine or an alternative fueled hybrid, TCW encourages the purchase of carbon offsets and includes the use of green technologies. In fact, motorsport events such as Targa are where industry leaders test new ‘green' technologies to determine their performance in demanding driving conditions.
How is the event run?
Targa competition occurs in segments or "stages" throughout the day, ideally totaling up to 100 kms. Cars start at sixty second intervals. The Competition Group battles against the clock (lowest time is best), with a Radar and/or GPS enforced top speed limited to to 195 km/h. Precision Group aims to meet a pre-determined course time so that accuracy is the goal over speed. In both groups head to head competition is prevented. Each stage is closed to local traffic by experienced motorsport officials.
|
