Motorsport: Legends night commemorates 50th Targa Rally

Greg Murphy interviews Marcos Ambrose for V8 Supercars TV. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand motorsport has more than its share of legends - we've always punched well above our weight on track, dirt and everywhere else you can race.

These Kiwi greats will be commemorated alongside Targa New Zealand's milestone 50th event celebrations at the inaugural Giltrap Group Legends Night Dinner.

Greg Murphy and Tony Quinn will all be attending the dinner - which will become a regular event on the New Zealand motor racing calendar - and we've given the flying Scotsman himself, Tony Quinn, honorary Kiwi Legend status.

The dinner takes place at the official Targa start base at Wairakei Resort Taupo on Wednesday October 12, and promises to be a true celebration of all things Targa, a night of respecting our past and recognising our present legends. The inaugural Targa Legends will be revealed on the night as the initial inductees and every year a select few will be included

"Celebrating the exceptional careers of our legends from here and overseas, the Giltrap Group Legends Night Dinner brings New Zealand motorsport heroes, luminaries and enthusiasts to evening of fun, story-telling and reminiscing," says Targa event director Peter Martin.

"We are also delighted and thankful to welcome the Giltrap Group as our gold sponsor in hosting this great event and helping to bring it to life. The Giltrap Group - and the Giltrap family itself - which has such a rich history in Kiwi motorsport at all levels - they could well be considered legends themselves."

Michael Giltrap, Joint Managing Director of the Giltrap Group says 'We are proud to be involved in this inaugural event, continuing our support of NZ motorsport and all things racing. It is very important to us as accompany, and as ordinary kiwis, that we maintain and nurture this support from grass roots all the way to the top, as I'm sure some of the legends of the night will testify to. Not to mention the fact that, of course-we love cars"

A Targa legend is defined as past or present winner, its equivalent or someone who has made an outstanding contribution to Targa in NZ or in another arena such as administration or media.

The event format is a three course banquet dinner with guest group tables available and individual tickets for sale

A relaxed 'lounge style' Q+A sessions will be hosted by Stephen McIvor, delving deep into the lives and careers of some of the guests, exploring the triumphs, lows, close calls and adrenalin-fuelled moments.

Kids in Cars - our official fundraising partner - is the worthy beneficiary of our charity auction, so feel free to let the wallet off the chain for the event. The auction promises a serious selection of goodies like high-end, sought-after racing memorabilia, helicopter flights, Targa entries and getaways at some of the country's most stunning accommodation - even a big advertising package, if you're that way inclined.