THE PLAN TO TARGA NEWFOUNDLAND

By Ohan Korlikian

In late fall of 2004 I was in the underground parkade working on my never-ending project, the 1967 Sunbeam Alpine Series V sportster. Returning to my apartment to wash up, I turned on the TV and walked away. I could hear the commentator talking about an event. I wasn’t sure what the banter was about as I usually ignore such chatter. However, this one caught my attention. I hurried back to the living room to view this program further. My attention was drawn to the Targa Newfoundland tarmac rally. This was the first time I had heard of this event. I was captivated by the number of unique cars entered, the various locations where the race runs along scenic city and country-paved roadways, the local hospitality and the never-ending fun. A once in a lifetime opportunity that is a must see and do event.

Targa Newfoundland (http://www.targanewfoundland.com/) has gained international racing recognition over the past four years.  It is a weeklong annual Tarmac Rally competition that takes place in stages along a 2,200 km route through Eastern and Central Newfoundland. Rally racing is a fast-growing, exciting sport that is capturing large audiences around the world. Unlike most other forms of motor sports, Targa Newfoundland offers an affordable form of racing for the enthusiast to experience the excitement of world-class rally racing. This event has no cash prize but rather the opportunity to experience the challenge of participating in the true spirit of competition and adventure.

That same afternoon, I contacted a fellow Alpine owner, Richard Cox. After I finished explaining to him what I had just watched, he was intrigued. Fortunately, the show re-aired in late January 2005. This gave Richard and I the opportunity to view it in its entirety. He too liked what he saw and it solidified our pervious discussion about entering the event. Now for the bad news, given that we had less than seven months to prepare the Alpine, raise funds, pay the entry fee and obtain sponsorships was going to be somewhat difficult. Unfortunately the news became worse when Richard was unable to get the extended time off from work for this trip. Now what? I was somewhat disappointed by this turn of events. However, after giving matters some thought, we put things on hold until later discussions revived it. “What if we entered into the 2006 season? It was agreed.

I started work on promoting the now called Team Alpine. After the initial cover letter and sponsorship rates were composed. It was time to formulate the budget. The initial plan for the trip was to ship the car by rail to Halifax and we would fly there, pick up the car, drive the rest of the way to St. John’s, and participate in the rally. Afterwards ship the car back and we would fly home. After working out the expenses, I devised few options for the trip. In particular, I noticed that to take the initial plan and compare it to driving the car from Vancouver to St. John’s was relatively close in costs. The biggest expenditures being: shipping, fuel and airfare. Nevertheless, a great deal of funds was needed for this and the assistance of sponsors was a definite must. I mentioned this to Richard. He liked the idea but was quick to remind me that he wouldn’t be able to get the extended time off needed to co-drive the car cross-country however he would be able to meet me in Newfoundland for the race.

So, I decided that I would drive the car myself. It would give me the opportunity to explore Canada, upgrade my photography skills by capturing unique images, write a travel journal and meet some interesting Canadians and what better way than in a classic British Automobile. This is exactly what I need to do. The essence of this journey will be a great milestone for me. Furthermore, additional reasons came to mind: 2006 marks my 40 birthday and the same for the car, the 30^th anniversary of my family immigrating to Canada and most importantly it will commemorate the 10^th year since my father passed away from Cancer. 

In November 1996, my father was at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Montreal suffering from Cancer. At the time, I was in training in Regina at the R.C.M.P. academy. The hospital had a wish granting program geared towards adults suffering from terminal illness. At my father’s request, they assisted in contacting my Commanding Officer at the Academy requesting my attendance at the hospital in uniform.  His wish was granted and I was given permission to visit. This was a proud moment for my father to see me in the R.C.M.P. uniform. I could sense his pride in my accomplishment. The media was present, as news had traveled about his wish. The Montreal Gazette published a front-page article and a local Television network feature on the evening news. During my visit he seemed in good health. Few days later I had to return to training. Over the following weeks his health drastically deteriorated. On November 25^th, I received the news that he had passed away. I flew back to Montreal for the funeral. Returning to training proved to be difficult as my heart and mind was preoccupied with my father’s death. Number of weeks later, I was faced with a difficult decision which led me to prematurely leave training. After a great deal of time had lapsed, I tried to re-enlist but to no avail. Almost ten years later I still reflect back to that time.  

By November 2005 things were looking bleak for Team Alpine. We still needed corporate support and haven’t had any success in raising funds. Despite the lack of sponsors we couldn’t pass an opportunity such as this especially now that Richard was able to join me on the coast-to-coast drive. I’ve been slowly upgrading the car and trying to keep my expense to a minimum hoping that some major sponsor would help get the money train rolling. For that reason, my upgrades on the car were at a turtles pace. Even at this point I didn’t want to spend too much on the car as other bills were piling up. Reluctantly, I was ready to call it quits. I discussed it with Richard and he shared my sentiments. He suggested delaying our decision for a few more weeks as he may have a solution to our problem. With the help of his father, he obtained a loan to help cover majority of our costs. This was only a loan and not a sponsor. Nevertheless the important thing was that the trip was on. When the application forms and entry fee were submitted to Targa, we were officially registered.

One further important matter remains. Considering we were going across the country, why not up the ante and do something worthwhile. For years I’ve wanted to do something special in tribute to my father. This trip seemed fitting for the right reasons. I know dad would be proud to know that I had chosen a worthwhile cause; raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundationâ of Canada. I submitted a proposal to the Foundation in early December 2005. It caught the attention of Brigitte Tschinkel the Director of Corporate Development. On January 11, 2006, I received a message that my proposal was accepted. I followed it up with a lengthy phone call to Brigitte and we began to lay the foundation for the fundraising.

The Make-A-Wish Foundationâof Canada is part of the largest not-for-profit wish granting organization in the world and grants the wishes of children, between the ages of 3 and 17, with life threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Hope for today, strength for tomorrow and joy to last a lifetime.

On Friday August 25, 2006, Team Alpine will be driving a classic 1967 Rootes Sunbeam Alpine Series V Sportster from Vancouver, British Columbia to St. John’s, Newfoundland to compete in a world-class automotive event called Targa Newfoundland from September 9-16, 2006.  Throughout the year and during the drive across Canada, Team Alpine will be raising funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundationâ to help fulfill the wishes of children suffering from a life-threatening illness. The goal is to raise $20,000 so wishes will be granted in three Canadian regions; Western Canada, Central Canada and Atlantic Canada.

Ohan Korlikian

Vancouver, BC, Canada