The Targa Florio, held from 1970 to 1973, stands as a testament to automobile racing’s raw power and enduring spirit. Set on the stunning Sicilian roads, this iconic endurance race was not just a competition; it was a celebration of engineering brilliance and driver skill, enveloped in the breathtaking backdrop of Sicily’s mountains and coastal vistas.
A Legendary Course
The Targa Florio’s challenging 72-mile circuit twisted through picturesque villages, sharp hairpin turns, and breathtaking elevation changes. Each lap tested the mettle of drivers and the durability of their machines, making it a true spectacle of endurance racing.
Highlights from 1970 to 1973
- 1970: Ferrari dominated the race, showcasing its engineering prowess. The powerful 512S models led the field, thrilling fans with their speed and agility, leaving competitors scrambling.
- 1971: The emergence of the Porsche 917 marked a pivotal change. Its revolutionary design and speed transformed the race, setting new standards and thrilling audiences worldwide.
- 1972: This year was a fierce battle between Ferrari and Porsche, with both teams pushing technological boundaries. The race featured dramatic overtakes and heart-pounding moments that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
- 1973: The final Targa Florio before it transformed into a rally format saw the Audi team making waves with their innovative vehicles. The blend of speed and strategy captured the essence of what made the Targa Florio legendary.
- Legacy and Impact
The 1970 to 1973 Targa Florio was more than just a race; it was an era that defined motorsport innovation and competition. The event’s rich history continues to inspire drivers and fans, solidifying its place in the annals of racing lore. Each year brought a new chapter filled with thrilling achievements and unforgettable memories, making it an integral part of automotive history.
The allure of the Targa Florio still resonates today, a symbol of the passion and dedication that drives the world of motorsport. Come join the Austin Slot Club as we put our scale model car building and racing skills to the test on our custom-built rally track this summer.
Series Manager: Marc T.
July through September, 2026 (Two rounds per month)
Course: Rally Track (Direction to be determined by coin flip on race day)
Race Fees: $5 Premium members, $10 Standard members; $15 guests
Targa Florio 1970-1973
- This series will be run on the rally track. Direction will be determined by coin toss.
- Track voltage is at entrant’s discretion.
- Cars eligible:
Any car that was entered in the Targa Florio in the years 1970, ‘71, ’72, and ’73. Cars that were DNS, or DNF are fine. (Partial list will be provided later)
Models allowed:
- Any slot car that is a reasonably scale depiction of the above. Cars must have driver figure and Steering wheel. Lightweight interiors are okay. Glazing must be in place. If your car has a navigator figure, you do not need to remove it if you want to keep it un-modified. Historic liveries are not required, but very much encouraged. Avoid duplicate liveries if at all possible.
- To avoid The series becoming too overloaded with a single model (Porsche 908/3, or the Lola T280/290, for example) We will limit how many of a given model can race on a given race day. We want to se a more varied selection of entries this coming year
- Please post a picture of your car (s) Model, or 1:1 to the rules thread, so we can get an idea of what cars and liveries will be entered.
Motor, gearing:
- Open
Axles, wheels, tires:
- Axles, bushings, bearings open.
- Wheels must be a good faith effort at scale, with inserts. Maximum wheel/tire width 10mm front and rear. (This may be subject to change)
- Tires can be any rubber or urethane compound. Truing and gluing is encouraged. Coating of front tires with nail-polish, C/A glue, etc is permitted.
- Chassis and drive layout: Chassis must not scrape or rub track surface.
Braid, guide, and motor leads.
- Open
General
If it is not mentioned – contact Series Manager for legality (BEFORE the first race). Cars may be presented to Series Manager any time before the first race for a test inspection.