The 15th Targa California rally recently concluded with most drivers logging 1,000+ miles over the roads “less traveled” of California’s central region. Porsche has a long history of naming their cars after yesteryear’s most grueling events (e.g. the Carrera Panamericana and the Targa Floria), and while this rally is by no means a race through the hills of Sicily, it is to some degree, a test of endurance, hence the name “Targa California.”
Founder Dave Bouzaglou
Event founder Dave Bouzaglou knows his way around Porsches as well as anyone in Southern California. His vast experience in both driving and preparing the German marque is what gives him and his shop, TRE Motorsports, a solid reputation in the classic Porsche world. While some reading this may not recognize the name, Dave has built some of the most influential 911 Outlaws on the planet but likes to remain “incognito.” Imagine that in our Instagram-driven world!
Keeping the torch lit
While the highly successful “Targa” this year had over 100 cars (and not all are Porsches), Dave will humbly admit the idea of enjoying the back roads of California in a vintage car was not his own. For that, we credit the late Martin Swig, a San Francisco car dealer and vintage car enthusiast who founded the California Mille. It still exists to this day, and the sight of Mercedes Gullwings, 4-cam Porsches, and Jag E-types rolling down Pacific on Highway 1 is quite a sight.
Nobody can blame Martin for creating an exclusive event that catered to the well-heeled drivers, but others wanted in the fun as well. For those who couldn’t afford the pricey Mille, other rallys emerged over time including the No Frills Iron Bottom Motoring Tour, the Carrera California, the Snowball Rally, and the Targa California to name but a few.
The night before
Half the excitement of attending one of these group driving events is the excitement of arriving the night before at the rally’s launch point. For this year’s event, that meant the Seacrest Oceanfront Hotel in Shell Beach CA. Rolling into the parking lot, a large group of participants were already mulling around prepping their cars, which included Alfas, Volvos, BMWs, and of course a lot of Porsches. The rally staff made registration a snap, and it was great catching up with familiar faces before checking in and enjoying some pizza and local brews up the street.
Day 1
After the mandatory driver’s meeting, where we were reminded none of us would be getting a call to replace Hamilton at Mercedes next year, so drive within your means. The first day’s route immediately ventured off Hwy 101 onto Pacific Coast Hwy towards Morro Bay before heading East through the wine country of Paso Robles. After an amazing jaunt over Hwy 229, it was east through the Carrizo Planes before descending into the San Joaquin Valley, where parade laps and lunch awaited us at Button Willow Raceway.
After some parade lapping and grub, some chose to drive straight to Paso Robles past the James Dean Memorial in Cholame, while others drove North through some flooded washes and cattle guards to the tiny enclave of Parkfield. Where else are you reminded that you are driving over the San Andreas fault, leaving the Pacific plate and entering the North American plate?
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, the whir of air-cooled engines warming up were heard across the parking lot at the La Quinta Inn in Paso Robles. Day 2’s directions led the group over the Lake Nacimiento Dam through more wine country, back roads, and valleys, eventually stopping at Weathertech Raceway, Laguna Seca. Parade laps ensued for those who had signed up, and many just hung out to watch the vintage racing organized by HSMA. Sports cars, formula cars, and some Trans-Am racers each had their own sessions.
Day 3
While a few cooled their heels enjoying nearby Carmel and Monterey, most drivers “soldiered on” driving Northeast through Salinas and into the backcountry of Hollister. One of my favorite roads, SR25 (Airline Hwy,) provides access to the Pinnacles National Park and runs parallel to the San Andreas Fault. After stopping for gas in Gilroy, the world’s garlic capital, it was over Mt. Madonna in the rain and fog before heading North on HWY 1 to Scotts Valley for a tour and lunch at Canepa. What a world-class workshop and racecar museum. Hats off to Bruce Canepa for his warm hospitality.
Keeping it fun
Held at the “event HQ” Hilton Garden Inn in Monterey, the last evening was a celebration of both “man and machine” enduring several days of relentless corners and questionable snack food. The truth always gets stretched on such occasions, including how many feet your car went airborne crossing over a cattle guard to what the Highway Patrol officer said when he stopped you for “reckless driving.” Truth be told, anyone can drive these roads at any time, but it’s the spirit of the event that has become so unique and infectious. Dave Bouzoglou and his team seem to have discovered the right combination of roads and relaxation, and I’ll be back again next year to get more of the same.
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