TeamVDG ready for Targa victory

TORONTO (September 5, 2005) -- The two-car team vying to win both the Modern and Classic divisions at Targa Newfoundland is ready to race.

The dual TeamVDG entry -- a furiously fast 1967 Acadian Canso Sport Coupe and a powerful 2005 Subaru WRX STi -- boasts experienced drivers and competitive cars. They are among the top contenders at the fourth-annual Targa Newfoundland rally, starting Sept 10 in St. John’s.

“We like our chances at Targa Newfoundland,” says Keith Townsend, who will drive the Subaru. “Both cars are in great shape and the team is all set for the challenge.”

Classic driver Jud Buchanan says his Acadian has never been in better shape. The freshly built 327 cubic inch engine is producing over 400 lb/ft of torque at the rear wheels.

“The Acadian is ready to take on the Mustangs, BMWs and Porsches on our way to the Classic division win,” he says.

The two-car team is vying for the best overall result by a Canadian in the race’s four-year history.

Although the event doesn’t recognize an overall winner, a handicap system allows competitors to compare results despite major differences in machinery.

“There is some serious competition on the Modern division, with several similar Subarus in the race. We’d like to think we can challenge the Modern division title as well as the best result overall,” said Townsend.

Novice Jen Horsey will navigate for Townsend, while Buchanan is joined in competition by co-driver Peter Wright.

The team will take on 2,100 kilometres of challenging, twisty Newfoundland terrain over six days -- including more than 500 kilometres of closed-road, flat-out Targa stages.

Watch for regular updates on the team’s progress at macleans.ca starting Sept. 9 and continuing until a wrap-up following the race-ending gala on Sept. 17. Horsey and team photographer Andrew Harvey will document the Targa experience for the online edition of the national news magazine.

The team is sponsored by Castrol for 2005 as part of the aggressive promotional efforts of Wakefield Canada, the brand’s new distributor and marketer in Canada.

The team is also supported by The Contact Patch, Wheel and Tire Zone, Privilege Magazine, Marcovitch PR, StaggeredTime Solutions and supports the Show Kids you Care charity.

For more information or to arrange interviews contact: Keith Townsend 416.806.2640 /Keith@vehicleDG.com or Jud Buchanan 647.224.7163 /Jud@vehicleDG.com.