Targa Newfoundland returns to race through the streets of Gander for the first time in years and we’ve named it the Come From Away Memorial Stage to commemorate the town’s role in sheltering thousands of stranded passengers following 9/11 and the hit musical that tells the story. 

 

“Gander was always a high point for participants in past Targa rallies,” said Targa Founder Robert Giannou. “Returning here now is particularly special as the town celebrates its pivotal role after 9/11.”  

 

Targa Newfoundland 2024 will run from September 12 to 19, 2024, beginning with a two-day drivers’ school in St. John’s before heading out to explore the province. The Gander stage will take place late afternoon, Sunday, September 15th.  

 

“We are delighted to welcome Targa back to Gander!” said Mayor Percy Farwell. “With the meticulous efforts and commitment of the organizers to ensure a safe and exciting event, residents and visitors can look forward to an opportunity to view a world class rally event and to get up close and personal with the cars and drivers at the related car shows. We look forward to this unique and exciting event.”  

 

Following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration closed American airspace forcing 38 planes carrying close to 7000 passengers to divert to the airport in Gander, a town of 12,000 people. The people of Gander, Appleton, Glenwood and other communities took the stranded passengers in by providing food shelter, clothing, comfort and friendship.  

 

Gander was once known as the “Crossroads of the World” due to its perfectly positioned airport. Once the largest on earth, with runways big enough to land the space shuttle, it was a strategic location for refueling and a bustling centre during wartime. It was this airport that made this community and others in the region the focal point for human kindness and generosity as highlighted in the hit Broadway play Come From Away.  

 

Come From Away, the award-winning musical, tells the remarkable true story of those 7,000 stranded passengers — or “come from aways” — and the communities in Newfoundland and Labrador that welcomed them on 9/11.

 

Come From Away is performed at the Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre in Gander through Sept. 1, 2024. Learn more at www.comefromawaygander.ca

 

Since 2002, Targa Newfoundland has attracted professional and amateur racers from around the world.  Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of only three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world and the only tarmac rally in North America. This year’s event runs Sept. 12-19, 2024. Competitors will cover over 2000 km (about 1240 miles) including about 500 km (310 miles) of closed courses through spectacular scenery, towns and outports.