Targa Tour itinerary announced

Targa Tasmania kicks off on April 24 and runs for six days, providing a thrilling motor sport adventure across 2000km of public roads.

There are three ways to enjoy the spectacle this year: Compete, spectate... or take part in the inaugural Targa Tour.

Run by Driving Events, an organisation fronted by well-known racing driver Paul Stokell, the Targa Tour comprises three different itineraries for drivers who would like to get involved. A 10-day tour will set you back $7550, including a track day at Baskerville Raceway. Two other options are the seven-day tour at $6550 and a six-day version for $6800.

These prices are for two people and include a twin-share private cabin with accompanied vehicle on the Spirit of Tasmania, accommodation overnight at each stop, a luggage service following the route, tour guides, crew briefings, lunch each day, Targa Tasmania plates/door panels, medallions for driver/co-driver and track entry (if applicable).

The organisers stress that the Targa Tour, in whatever form, is not a competition event. Entrants (including co-drivers) should be licensed by CAMS to Level 2 (non-speed event) and are required to wear helmets, but not race suits or HANS. The cars entered can be completely stock, although the organisers insist on a first aid kit for each car, and recommend a fire extinguisher.

Although the cars will run on public roads that have been closed off for the main Targa Tasmania crews following, the Targa Tour entrants are asked to respect the speed limits. The organisers do say, however, that some of the twistier roads are a test of driving skill even below the posted speed limits. A Tour Leader will guide the 10 to 15 cars taking part along the way.

Targa Tour participants will likely set off on each day's route before 7am, ahead of the main Targa Tasmania competition. It's an opportunity to experience some of the excitement of the event, with little of the pressure to perform – and all the administration done for you.

Crews will travel along "iconic stages" such as The Sidling, Cethana, Hellyer Gorge and Mt Arrowsmith – all "spectacular roads, beautiful scenery" complemented by "the tastes and welcoming atmosphere" of Tasmania in autumn, as the organisers say.

Participants for the 10-day and seven-day tours will depart Melbourne on the Spirit of Tasmania overnight, Saturday, April 22. On arrival in Devonport on the morning of April 23, cars will undergo scrutineering before the participants drive to the welcome party and overnight stay in Launceston.

Monday April 24 is the start of serious proceedings, commencing with the East Coast Loop – the official start, lunch at St Helens and back to the Country Club Casino in Launceston for the evening. The next day the field will run through the George Town Superstage and back to Launceston.

On Wednesday, April 26, the field embarks on the North West Marathon – Launceston to Burnie – spending the night at an as yet unnamed destination. Six-day Tour participants set sail from Melbourne during the day and catch up with the other two tours in Burnie that evening. The following day the route takes the drivers down the west coast, from Burnie to Strachan, where that leg will conclude.

For the Friday, crews will make their way to Hobart, to finish at the Wrest Point Casino. Saturday the 29th is the final day of the Targa Tasmania, with Targa Tour crews negotiating the southern loop and finishing up at Wrest Point once more. That is the final day for the seven-day Tour, with those participants returning to Devonport for the return crossing to Melbourne.

On Sunday, the entrants in the 10-day and six-day tours enjoy a sightseeing drive, before attending the Targa Tasmania Presentation Dinner at Wrest Point Casino that night. Monday sees the remaining two tours drive to Baskerville for a track day, ahead of an overnight stay in Bicheno. On Tuesday May 2, the remaining crews drive from Bicheno to Devonport, where cars and crew board the Spirit of Tasmania for the return to Melbourne.

The Targa Tour is an ideal chance to get a taste of running in the Targa Tasmania competition, without facing the same level of risk. But with only a maximum of 15 slots available, get your skates on...

Pictured: motoring.com.au Editor in Chief Mike Sinclair during the running of the 2013 Targa Tasmania