Excitement is building for motorsport enthusiasts throughout the province, as the 7th annual Targa Newfoundland road rally gets underway this weekend.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced today that the Provincial Government is contributing $75,000 towards the organization of the week-long event.

"Targa Newfoundland has been, and continues to be, a unique opportunity for the development of tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Jackman. "It has a proven record of success and has made a significant economic contribution to the province over the years."

Minister Jackman will join organizers, participants and spectators at the Keg Steakhouse and Bar in St. John�s on Sunday, September 14, for the start of the road rally. The event begins at 12:00 noon.

Targa Newfoundland is patterned after highly-successful events staged annually in Australia and New Zealand. It combines a test of driving skill on road sections which are closed to the public (Targa stages), and touring through scenic countryside at legal speeds (Touring stages).

Targa Newfoundland President Robert Giannou said the rally, which is the only event of its kind in North America, has been growing and improving with each passing year.

"This year, Targa Newfoundland will play host to participants from all over the world offering them a 2,200-kilometre course complete with beautiful scenery and the generosity of about 2,000 volunteers from across the province," said Mr. Giannou.

Targa generates, on average, an estimated $16 million per year, directly and indirectly, into the provincial economy � making it a considerable contributor to small business � such as the accommodations and food services sectors - particularly in rural Newfoundland.

The event begins Saturday, September 13, with registration for participants and a car show open to the public beginning at 3:00 p.m. To find out more about the eight-day event, or to view the schedule, visit
www.targanewfoundland.com.

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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca

2008 09 12                                                      1:55 p.m.