Preparing for the Targa Newfoundland - Targa Truck

[bovey]

Hello,

Some of you may be following my build thread in the trucks section. I am currently building up a 1971 GMC to compete in the Targa Division of the Targa Newfoundland. My truck will be the first truck to ever do so. So, I've named it the Targa Truck.

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This is also my first time competing in something as large as this. Now, I have no delusions of winning, etc, etc. I am doing this to gain experience, the goal is to finish and have fun.

I need a place to keep track of what I am doing and what needs to be done. Hence, this thread. I think it will be a great way to keep organized. Maybe some of you will have opinions and experience that is helpful. But feel free to follow along.

This will not cover the build, my build thread does that. I will be covering topics like:

1) extra parts lists
2) planning in general
3) finding a co-driver
4) fundraising
5) Rule compliance
6) travel/shipping - if I ship the truck out.

I assume after it's all said and done:
6) Things I wish I did.
7) Things I wish I did not do.
8) Things that I thank goodness I did

There are many that want to do a race like this. May this thread pose as an inside view into my first attempt at running one of North America's bucket list of automotive competitions. The Targa Newfoundland.

FYI - I'm a creative guy, at one time I was a designer. So I'm using this as an excuse to exercise my creative side too.

As my build is going well, touch wood... The next order of business is finding a co-driver. So, I made image to be shared. I wanted the truck to look like a UFO beaming up a co-driver... It's only day 1 and I've had solid responses. Very cool. And hey, if you know someone, or are someone that fits the bill - by all means send an e-mail.

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So yeah, this is the start, or where I am starting. There will be more soon.

And in 2 1/2 months, this truck will be sitting on the starting line of a 1400 mile open road competition.

[NJSPEEDER]

Congratulations and good luck. I hope I can get up there to at least see the race someday.

-Tim

[brawls43]

Good luck! Planning for an event like this is almost as time consuming as the build itself.

[BMR Sales]

Unless you are a Professional, it's supposed to be about having Fun and the Adventure.

My friend that did the Targa said it was something he will never forget

Good Luck!

[raustinss]

Best of luck....p.s. Don't put her in the ocean like a certain Italian car owner did a few yrs ago lol

[bovey]

Congratulations and good luck. I hope I can get up there to at least see the race someday.

Thanks. Like Nike says "Just do it."


Good luck! Planning for an event like this is almost as time consuming as the build itself.

Oh my goodness, yes. Currently organizing parts to figure out what to take with me. I've also hired a designer to make t-shirt and posters as people actually want to buy stuff?!?!? It's super fun, and we are making it fun too. I'm very glad I attacked the major upgrades to the truck early, now I just need to sort out details AND anything I break in the next couple months.


Unless you are a Professional, it's supposed to be about having Fun and the Adventure. My friend that did the Targa said it was something he will never forget. Good Luck!

Well, I am certainly not a pro. That is for sure. I do need to constantly remind myself of the fun side, work has been crazy and I've been working late every night - then hitting the garage. But the smiles always come back when I twist the key.


Best of luck....p.s. Don't put her in the ocean like a certain Italian car owner did a few yrs ago lol

Agreed. Expensive cars seem to like water and the Subaru crowd like the lose wheels and hit houses. Going to be interesting.

[raustinss]

LOL saw the video of subaru hitting that house...glad nobody got hurt. Funny though

[bovey]

I'm in the thick of planning at the moment. The truck seems under control - touch wood.

I mentioned in my first post, I'm going to try fundraising. The people who run the Targa Newfoundland told me to get t-shirts made as fans always want to buy something from their favourite vehicles. Kinda cool. I had intended to make t-shirts and posters and things like that - what I did not expect was people to ask for them. I also did not expect people to ask to sponsor the truck either. So far nothing has happened. But I am going to try something - a Kickstarter campaign.

If you are not familiar with kickstarter or indiegogo. Check them out. Very cool concept. I've supported 5 now, it's a very rewarding thing to be apart of. Now it time to do one for myself and see what happens.

I looked at opening an online store, but it was tricky - trying to do it with a kickstarter campaign allows me to do a bunch of design stuff and give people the opportunity pick and choose if they want to be involved. No idea if it'll work, but if it doesn't then at least I'm not dumping time and effort down the drain.

It takes a lot of planning and work, for example you, or 'I' in this case, had to make a video to explain the Targa Truck. This has proven tricky - it's very easy to get self critical. Here is a snapshot of my video in my editing program. It's really weird to film myself.

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My advice would be to have a friend help you film, I bet it would go faster. My one man army approach took 2 nights. The upside, I am happy with it.

Here are some samples of designs I'm working.

Proposed t-shirt(s) FYI - Newfoundland is nick-named "The Rock" and I have every intension of rocking it.
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A poster sample
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They call these sites (Kickstarter, Indiegogo) crowd sourcing, and the t-shirts, posters, etc are called rewards (typically). I'm going to include a few options like physical things and then offer up parts of the truck for sponsorship. Originally, this was not the plan. But people asked about it, and building this thing hasn't exactly been the cheapest. Besides, you don't know unless you try.

So here goes.

[BMR Sales]

Here is my friend Bob's car after he slid it off a Bridge in '07. A Local Shop got it straightened enough for him to finish. I think I remember him saying they wouldn't take money, so he put a Sticker of their Shop on the Car!

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[SicMonte]

man good luck on this project!!!! I cant wait to see the progress!

What video software is that?

[Peter Mc Mahon]

I think a 'blueprint' poster or t-shirt kind of like your signature would be cool.

[bovey]

man good luck on this project!!!! I cant wait to see the progress! What video software is that?

Thanks. The software is Adobe Premier Pro. Very easy to use. Most importantly, it's not super fussy about the type of files you dump in. Some editing software requires you "transfer" the files to a process - which is a over night pain in the butt.

[bovey]

]
I think a 'blueprint' poster or t-shirt kind of like your signature would be cool.

Thank you. This was an early thing I did. Who knows.

Here is the poster I'm really excited to make. I'm going to print the poster with the used engine oil out of my 427 AFTER completing the Targa Newfoundland. This is just a comp.

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[bovey]

And BMR! Those photos are both inspiring and terrifying! Totally amazing.

[BMR Sales]

And BMR! Those photos are both inspiring and terrifying! Totally amazing.

Yep, but the Good Thing is that Bob and Nadine were not hurt, they Finished the Targa and now the Car is fully repaired and he races it on Track & Hill Climbs

and by the way, when they slid off the road before the Bridge, the car went End over End til it landed on the wheels

T.C.

[Peter Mc Mahon]

So the oil will literally be the colour? That would be awesome! If you make several, and I am sure you'll be going through some oil!, I would love a signed one. Bill me.
Thanks.
PS. I am a southern ontario guy if you need some help or support

[bovey]

So the oil will literally be the colour? That would be awesome! If you make several, and I am sure you'll be going through some oil!, I would love a signed one. Bill me.
Thanks.
PS. I am a southern ontario guy if you need some help or support

Thanks Peter. Yes, the posters will actually be printed in used engine oil. The oiling system on the truck takes almost 9L of oil, so I'll have plenty. I'm not making many of these as they are a massive amount of work. Not sure where you are exactly, but I'm planning on having the truck at CSCS this week-end.

[NJSPEEDER]

So where do I order a t-shirt?

-Tim

[Peter Mc Mahon]

Cayuga is not too far from me. I might just be able to talk my wife into it! And as a bonus, on the way back I'll hit the burger barn on the reserve. Ever been there?

[bovey]

So where do I order a t-shirt? -Tim

Soon. My kickstarter launches in the next 24 hours.


Cayuga is not too far from me. I might just be able to talk my wife into it! And as a bonus, on the way back I'll hit the burger barn on the reserve. Ever been there?

Awesome. I'm 98% sure to be there. Your best bet is to follow Targa Truck on fb and twitter. Haven't been to Burger Barn, but with a name like that - it has to be amazing. I assume at CSCS, the truck will be easy to spot. lol.

[bovey]

A crowd funding program takes longer than you think. It's like writing a mini business plan. But now it's done and up.

Check it out, support if you wish, or follow along and try one for yourself. I think these models of raising money will be good for us grassroots racers, it's offers a different way to do independent sponsorship and get away from the old fashioned models.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/114205774/team-targa-truck-the-first-truck-in-targa-newfound

[bovey]

Couple things.

1) Co-drivers. I've had some great people respond, everything from a 24 y/o girl with great co-driving experience and get this - she's a demo derby driver - to - guys in the 50s who have been doing it for years or crew chief's of other efforts - to - driving instructors I've met over the time doing schools learning to drive. It's been really interesting and I'm getting to meet people from all over North America.

2) Went out to a race event today, sadly not to run. It was a chance to go meet a bunch of people who want to see the truck. Some did not believe it was real, so they needed a personal inspection...

I was talking to a group of people about what i'm up to and part way through, they guy named JD (orJT) walks up and says "here" handing me 10 bucks. He loved the truck, loved the story and wanted to support it. I tried to give him is money back but he wouldn't take it. CRAZY.

That is all.

[Peter Mc Mahon]

I want to buy one of the used engine oil posters to help support your goal, but do I have to go through facebook? It's banned in my house [don't ask]. Any other way to get payment to you, or does it have to go through facebook? Couldn't make the Cayuga thing, had some help on the shop I'm building that I couldn't turn down. Did you get to the burger barn? Might get some sponsorship there......

[bovey]

I want to buy one of the used engine oil posters to help support your goal, but do I have to go through facebook? It's banned in my house [don't ask]. Any other way to get payment to you, or does it have to go through facebook? Couldn't make the Cayuga thing, had some help on the shop I'm building that I couldn't turn down. Did you get to the burger barn? Might get some sponsorship there......

No Facebook! Don't worry. It's done through a crowd source site called kickstarter. Here is the link. The t-shirts, posters, "pledges" are on the right. The oil posters are an extremely short run, I'm making 20. They are crazy hard to make, and yes they will be hand made by me.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/114205774/team-targa-truck-the-first-truck-in-targa-newfound

[Peter Mc Mahon]

when I click on the poster support, it says 'continue to next step' then it looks like I have to sign in to facebook to get any further to make payment? Is there another spot to pay?

[bovey]

when I click on the poster support, it says 'continue to next step' then it looks like I have to sign in to facebook to get any further to make payment? Is there another spot to pay?
Hmm. I'm looking into this. You should be able to just use a credit card.

[bovey]

when I click on the poster support, it says 'continue to next step' then it looks like I have to sign in to facebook to get any further to make payment? Is there another spot to pay?


Under the facebook option, there is an option to create an account with kickstarter - then you can pay with a credit card. Thanks again!

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[Peter Mc Mahon]

Alright, alright, so you don't want me as part of your technical team, but I'm part of the team now! 1 oil poster on order! What a great way to raise some funds. Come on guys buy a shirt or something, lets make this the first truck in Targa Newfoundland!

[bovey]

Alright, alright, so you don't want me as part of your technical team, but I'm part of the team now! 1 oil poster on order! What a great way to raise some funds. Come on guys buy a shirt or something, lets make this the first truck in Targa Newfoundland!

Peter. You sir, rock.

And yes, I do need the help and I'm working for it. All of these items will be overseen by myself or hand made by me.

I have some big news to share. I just had confirmation today on a tv show.

I also sorted out shipping, which kinda bums me out. Originally, I was driving it out, but that can no longer happen as the truck has to be in top shape when it hits the starting line, so do I for that matter. Will explain all of this later.

I'll explain in a bit, once I read over some documents.

[Peter Mc Mahon]

Gimme' something to do, I'm in!

[bovey]

Gimme' something to do, I'm in!

Peter. What you have done is perfect. Thank you. Spread the word of Targa Truck if you wish. Come by TMP this Sunday, the truck is hitting the track to stretch his legs.

[bovey]

Okay, so this week has been significant.

As you are well aware, the kickstarter is going. There has been a steep learning curve on this. I had to make some changes on the fly. Fortunately, you can do this to make your campaign work. I'll circle back on this so you don't make my mistakes.

This weeks big news is that I signed the release paperwork and Targa Truck is going to be on the Discovery Channel. We have a show called Megaspeed and they are doing an episode on the Targa Newfoundland and they really dig the truck. It'll air in Season 2, I believe in 2015. They have been here at pro-touring reading the treads and liked what we have been up to. It's very cool. Super excited.

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However, due this. I have to change my drive it there, compete, drive it home. It needs to arrive in one piece as now I need to take measures to make sure it's tough as nails to make it to the finish. I've never shipped it before, it's only on a flatbed when I break it. I know this is the right thing to do, but I'm breaking my no trailer rule.

Fortunately, I found a shipping company that is racing a car so I've bought a space on their truck. Even cooler, as they area race/builder type company, they offer a tech service. So they will be my second set of eyes every night and help with tear downs and service, should something break.

This all comes at a price, a fair price, but it all adds up. Which is why the kickstater is going.

Funny enough on the money front, everyone seems to think the tv shows pay you. NO. Big fat no. Nope. Uh-uh. I'm just happy to have some proof I did this.

[brawls43]

That's awesome! Can't wait to see the episode!

[bovey]

Lots happening.

I have had 6 great applicants for the co-driver position. Been having phone calls and e-mails. Very close to nailing this down.

Sorted transportation for the truck and myself to Newfoundland. Car transport is expensive. EXPENSIVE. OMG. The up side is they take all the spare gear and the company I'm going with runs in the Targa, so they get it. In addition, they offer a service at an hourly rate for helping tech the truck during the competition.

I'm bummed I can't drive it there and back, but this has reached a point where I have to do everything to finish, now that tv show(s) and sponsors are involved.

And yesterday. The Kickstarter FUNDED. I did not think it would make it, but everything went crazy with about 32 hours to go and it funded early.

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At the moment I have 3 sponsors, a local speed shop is helping with parts, a local juice bar is sponsoring the hood and getting my diet sorted out to have me in top shape and a 3rd mystery sponsor bought the tailgate - somekind of tech company that loves the truck.

I've had interest from tow major sponsors. This takes a lot of time. Be warned, this takes more time than building the truck currently. If successful, it's be a huge $$ help. But it's a long shot. But I run a truck, so I like long shots. On this note, please like my facebook and twitter - every person helps show the sponsors this is real. And I assure you it's real. And it's hard, but it's also crazy fun.

Truck work continues, but you can read about that in my build tread.

Here's a photo from my last testing day at an ex-military base. Huge course, with speeds over 130mph. FUN. Truck has some glitches, but overall great.
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