TARGA TUNISIA SAHARA CHALLENGE
For immediate release
Friday, May 30th, 2003
INAUGURAL TARGA TUNISIA
SAHARA CHALLENGE TAKES SHAPE
500 kms of timed special stages on closed public roads;
Historic and Modern saloon car classes
CIVRAY (France): The Targa Tunisia Sahara Challenge will take place for the first time in October 2003 with the full logistical support of the Tunisian Tourist Office, Tunisian Ministry of Sport and the Tunisian police.
In a classic route of around 4000 kms, the organisers are proud to announce that there will be 500 kms of timed-to-the-second competitive action on closed public roads with emergency back-up and full medical support.
The inaugural event has been sanctioned by the National Automobile Club de Tunisie and world motorsport’s governing body, the FIA. It takes place between October 8th-22nd, 2003. Potential competitors can choose to take part in either a Sporting or Regularity Challenge.
Entries are now available and many have already been received from as far afield as the United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Germany, Monaco and Portugal, with former Formula One Grand Prix racing driver Clay Regazzoni one of the early entrants. The entry fee is L5000.
~We have received a phenomenal response so far,~ said rally director Alan Barton. ~Looking down the current entry list we have an Austin Healey 3000, TR4 and TR5, Datsun 240Z, Escort Mexico and RS1600, BMW, Bentley Continentals, Ford Mustang, Morgan, Lotus, ex-works Toyota and Opel, Porsche and more than 10 different types of Mercedes.~
The route has been carefully chosen with no rough sections included and the organisers are confident that the combination of a hard competitive rally, linked to a strong social commitment, will ensure the event’s success.
Documentation formalities will take place in Marseilles on October 8th, before the ferry crossing to Tunis on October 9th. The first competitive section takes place on October 11th, with the event drawing to a close on October 22nd.
The entry fee includes a service support vehicle and mechanics to assist crews’ with potential repairs, the return ferry crossing from Marseilles to Tunis with cabin and meals, 12 nights’ hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, receptions, rally clothing, road book, maps, rally plates, an impressive prize list, media and television support and entry to the gala awards’ dinner.
Entries are divided into three sub-sections for pre-1947 four-wheel machinery, classic cars registered before 1974 and for modern saloons and hatchbacks registered after January 1st, 1990. These are further divided into engine classes.
For further entry information and general enquiries about the Targa Tunisia, please contact:
Alan Barton, Rally Director, ‘Villa Jeanne’, 20 Rue du Moulin Minot, Civray 86400, France, (Tel: + 33 (0) 549 875273, Fax: + 33 (0) 549 875498, Mobile: + 44 7802 551448 and E-mail: info@targatunisia.com).
Website: www.targatunisia.com
Ends
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