Across four autumn days in Victoria, 95 crews set out on a journey defined not by speed, but by precision. In a 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, one Porsche team discovered the quiet discipline – and immense joy – of regularity rallying, among friends old and new.
From city streets to country rhythm
Leaving Melbourne behind, the road turns south toward the Mornington Peninsula, where traffic fades into vineyards, farmland and wide coastal skies. Autumn light settles across the landscape, the air cool and clear enough to sharpen the senses.
At first, it feels like any road trip. Then the details begin to matter. Distances are measured. Times are noted. Conversation narrows to numbers, directions and instructions.
We are no longer simply travelling. We are driving with intent.
Precision, not speed
Targa Classica celebrates a different kind of driving. This premier four-day regularity rally honours classic and modern automotive culture. Rather than racing outright, crews aim to hit precise target times and speeds over defined sections of road. Too fast or too slow – even slightly – and penalty points accumulate. What sounds simple quickly proves otherwise. Gradients alter momentum, corners interrupt rhythm and every small input suddenly matters.
From the beginning the experience belongs to two people. My wife, Kerry, and I share the roles of driver and navigator. The navigator interprets the road book and calls distances and timing points. The driver listens and responds.
Gradually a rhythm forms between the numbers and the road ahead. Regularity rallying rewards patience, communication and trust.