Targa unravelled

The biggest field was 313 entries in 2000. The lowest entry was 187 entries in 1997.

By the time Targa reaches the finish line in Hobart on Sunday, only about 270 cars will be left running. The rest will have either crashed out, or be broken down beyond repair.

That's a shame because this year's field has an estimated value of $75 million, including the $1 million Pagani Zonda, which is being used as the tail end Charlie to sweep each stage and ensure it is clear of Targa vehicles before being re-opened to public traffic.

Targa directly contributes $10 million annually to the Tasmanian economy and countless millions in international exposure. The event was bought by Octagon Worldwide, one of the world's biggest sports management companies, in 2000.

This year's Targa field paid around $1.2 million in entry fees for the privilege of tasting Tasmania's unique road system as a motor racing track. There are 39 in all, climaxing with the sprint stage over the Domain in Hobart on Sunday afternoon. The stage starts near Government House and runs uphill to the Cross Roads. It will be Targa's largest-attended stage for the entire course, with a gathering of about 20,000 petrol heads.

When Targa started in 1992, there was no compulsory requirement for roll-cages or fire-proof driving suits. All you needed was a classic marque and a fist full of dollars.

These days, drivers and navigators must meet those requirements, as well as having numerous safety briefing and getting breath-tested by Tasmania Police every morning before competition.

Targa has attracted some of the biggest names in motorsport, including five Formula One drivers, led by triple world champion Sir Jack Brabham and 1967 world champion Denny Hulme. Other racing stars include nine-times Bathurst champion Peter Brock, five-times world 500cc grand prix motorcycle champion Mick Doohan and two-times world motorcycle champion Barry Sheene. The voice of Formula One, Murray Walker, took part as a navigator in 2003.

Jim Richards and navigator Barry Oliver are the most successful competitors in Targa history.

Richards, 60, from Melbourne and Oliver, 63, from Launceston have won the race a record eight times between 1996 and 2006.