In 1992, the engine of an old Alfa Romeo was the first to start in what would become an iconic motoring event — the first Targa Tasmania.

The tarmac rally has earned a place as one of the country's most popular events, giving both racers and wannabe racers a chance to drive around Tasmania's roads — fast.

Greg Crick and co-driver Greg Preece won the inaugural race in a Honda NSX, and ever since the roll call of both cars and drivers has been world-class.

At the time of its launch, former race director John Large was confident the event would be a success.

"It will run every year provided the Government of Tasmania want it to return and provided the people of Tasmania embrace the event and see it the way we see it as Tasmania's equivalent of the Australian Grand Prix," he said.

And like the Grand Prix, Targa has attracted its share of celebrities.

Hollywood star Eric Bana had his own reasons for competing.

"I'm just a frustrated kid who didn't get to go go-karting who is living out his fantasies," he said.

Former game show host Glenn Ridge has competed in all but one Targa, and is back again this year with his son Oly.

"The beauty of something like Targa Tasmania is it doesn't matter who you are, it doesn't matter what you do for a living, it doesn't matter how much money you have or you don't have everyone is there doing the same roads and having the same amount of fun," he said.

Targa has drawn motorsport royalty, with Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss, world motorcycle champion Mick Doohan, and touring car great — the late Peter Brock — among the competitors.

Also on the honour roll is seven-time Bathurst winner Jim Richards, who along with co-driver Barry Oliver has won the overall Targa event a record eight times.

Controversy and crashes

John Mansell was killed and his co-driver Tristan Catford was injured when their car crashed at more than 200kph. ( Supplied: Launceston Examiner )

The event has not been without controversy, and two competitors have died while taking part in the event.

In 1996, Melbourne navigator Ian Johnston died during the Riana stage in the state's north-west, while in 2013, NSW driver John Mansell died after his Porsche ran off the road at Exton.

Mansell's death sparked an inquest which recommended compulsory alcohol testing and speed limiting devices.

Event director Mark Perry said there was a stronger focus than ever on safety.

"As sad as it is to lose anybody in an event like this, the event has only had two fatalities in its 24 years and when you figure that each year you've got 300 cars going 2,000 kilometres each, that's millions of kilometres travelled and on any given week in Australia more road fatalities happen on every day roads," he said.

"The big thing now is with GPS tracking is that when there is an incident we know straight away where the car is and what sort of impact they've had so we can react to it.

"Once upon a time it would take maybe 10 or 15 minutes to react to an incident and then you had to get an ambulance or a medical crew to them where now we know basically the second it happens."

Twenty-fifth anniversary celebrations

Targa Tasmania driver Jason White (third from left) on the podium after winning his fifth rally. ( ABC News: Richard Baines )

A record number of cars will line up for the 25th anniversary event.

This year's Targa begins in Launceston and finishes in Hobart, but will also include an overnight stop in Burnie for the first time since 2007 and a visit to Stanley for the first time.

"We've got the biggest field we've ever had, 382 cars this year, it's 50 more than we've ever had," Perry said.

Original winners Crick and Preece will return in a replica of the car that took them to victory in 1992 and 1993 and will drive as the flag car for the vent.

The State Government has also confirmed that it is committed to seeing Targa continue, with State Growth Minister Matthew Groom saying it is still important for Tasmania.