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The Dunlop Targa NZ road race is held on closed tarmac roads over six days in October. Organisers have been working tirelessly to put on a great show and bring some fantastic cars to the region. There is a stop overnight in New Plymouth on Tuesday October 24.

"This will be the Dunlop Targa's third year in the region and depending on the reception this year, Targa may or may not be back next year, said event director Mike John.

"Whilst I personally love the area and the tricky roads, we nonetheless review where the event goes to every three years. We have met with some quite nasty resistance in the area and whilst these people are usually the vocal minority, we would like to see the businesses, ratepayers and media show that the objectors are, in fact, in the minority.

I find it quite unbelievable that for the sake of a four-hour road closure (and normally we are gone in two hours) these objectors are prepared to go to such lengths to have their way, selfishly I must add, with their stupid signs on the side of the road saying to get out of their area. They don't seem to comprehend that the area needs tourism, the exposure and the business and the fundraising including a large amount of schools that benefit, let alone the excitement right at their door, allowing spectators a chance to watch such action for free.

Many areas outside Taranaki do want us there. I hope this year proves Taranaki does also and that maybe next year we can be in New Plymouth for two nights.

This year the overall leader of the event and the competitor who was quickest in the last stage of the day will be presented with a yellow leader's banner and a trophy at the Centre City car park building from 6pm after the last car gets in.

The last stage on Tuesday for Taranaki will be SS8 Tarata which will start at 4.30pm.

There will be spectacular viewing and the chance to have breakfast on Wednesday October 25 from 9am at the intersection of SH3, Alfred & Albert Roads. Special Stage 8 is known as the Mangorei Plus stage as the local timber business is closing for the morning to enable the Targa cars to go at competition speeds and put on a show for the traditionally high numbers of spectators.

There will be an organised hospitality area with breakfast put on by the Inglewood Lions and commentary by Motorsport commentator, Donald McDonald. Safety has had a big step up also.

The cars then go to Inglewood 1 stage before a pit stop in Inglewood from 9.45am; a further stage then a pit stop at Kaimata School from 10.45am; then the last stage of the morning before lunch at the War Memorial Centre in Miranda St in Stratford.

Further stages are competed in before stopping in Patea and Waverley for pit stops and overnighting in Palmerston North... all great opportunities to get close up to the cars and competitors.

Joe McAndrew in locally prepared (Kevin O'Neill) Nissan Skyline at the Tarata stage last year.