TARGA has released the High Country 2023 event schedule with a different format to take place this year to comply with Motorsport Australia regulations for a rallysprint event.
But while many are celebrating the return, local drivers are questioning the event's changes and the potential disadvantages they bring.
The 'Targa High Country Sprint' for competitive vehicles will take place from Mirimbah to Mt Buller, reminiscent of the earlier Mt Buller Sprint events held in the same location.
The tour portion of the event will run the regular legs to Whitfield on Saturday 11 February and to Eildon on Sunday 12 February.
Local residents and visitors will have the opportunity to see the vehicles up close in Mansfield, with the annual Targafest event taking place in Mansfield's High Street on Saturday 11 February from 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm.
Targa entrants will line High Street alongside our very own Delatite Drivers Car Club on the median strip.
There will also be GT racing simulators and a giant slot car racing set up.
Mansfield Shire Council CEO, Kirsten Alexander, said even though there won't be a street stage this year she is looking forward to the new format of the event.
"It is always exciting to see the Targa entrants in Mansfield and we welcome them back once again," she said.
"Although there is no street stage this year, the Targafest on Saturday afternoon is a great opportunity for all to get involved and enjoy the activity the event brings to the shire."
Local motorsport doyen Brian Dermott said that since he and others lobbied for a tarmac rally in 2009, the event has had a positive impact on the sport in Mansfield; but the event's proposed changes are diluting its essence and benefit.
"Unfortunately Targa High Country has been caught up in the debacle of Targa Tasmania," said Mr Dermott.
"After running for 28 years with two fatalities in 1996 and 2012, there were suddenly four in 2021 and the first day of 2022.
"Motorsport Australia cancelled all tarmac rallies until various reports were completed forcing Targa to downgrade the High Country event.
"Targa ran safely for many years but as soon as the requirements for a licence and medical and the type of cars accepted were relaxed by CAMS (Motorsport Australia, formerly the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport), becoming simple on line questionnaires and declarations, there were crashes.
"In response, speed limits and virtual chicanes were introduced but the crashes kept happening.
"Road safety experts know cognitive distraction is their biggest enemy and would say that letting cars capable of 300 kph enter and then restrict them to 200 kph is asking for trouble.
"Better to rediscover the formula of history – properly qualified crews in appropriate vehicles for the chosen roads."
Mr Dermott added that another problem with the sprint is that multiple runs over the same course inevitably leads you to learn the corners and how to go faster – like the Mount Buller Sprint used to be, where in the 2007 event, the only motorsport fatality ever on that road happened; a dear navigator friend killed in an unsuitable car.
"I'm also concerned that the economic impact will be greatly reduced; with no recceing, fewer nights and minimal spending dispersal, there will be a big hole in many businesses February turnover," said Mr Dermott.
"We say either go back to the format of 2014, or let the Australian Tarmac Rally organisation, sanctioned by Winton–based AASA (Australian Auto–sport Alliance) which runs three very successful tarmac rallies in Victoria, take it over."
