...all info for the Circuit of Ireland in here folks NEW BOSS AT THE CIRCUIT OF IRELAND PROMISES CHANGES Thursday, October 29 2009 09:31 UAC Chairman Nigel Hughes welcomes new Circuit rally director, Bobby Willis The Ulster Automobile Club (UAC) has announced that day-to-day control of the historic Circuit of Ireland rally is to be passed to the former international co-driver Bobby Willis. A respected figure within world rallying, the Belfast man is a consultant to motorsports events across the globe. Local rally fans will remember his involvement in the phenomenally successful Super Special Stage at Stormont which was the floodlit curtain-raiser for the Rally Ireland round of the World Rally Championship in 2007. While the Circuit of Ireland will continue to be owned by the UAC its Chairman, Nigel Hughes said: “Over recent years changing requirements and regulations have seen an ever increasing workload for the Club’s part-time volunteers, this in a climate where we are competing with professional full-time sporting organisations. “We are delighted that a man of Bobby’s experience has agreed to devote the required time to help safeguard the rally’s future development through fresh ideas and hopefully new investment.” Mr Willis will oversee the smooth running of the event and plans to broaden its appeal. He will be assisted by an experienced and dedicated team of international rally organisers, as well as Bangor man Michael Orr, currently a co-driver with the VK M-Sport Ford Rally team competing on the World Rally Championship. Circuit of Ireland, Rally Director, Bobby Willis said: “I have a vision to re-establish the Circuit of Ireland as one of the leading rallies in Europe, providing all stakeholders with a motorsport event Ireland can be proud of, to re-awaken a sleeping giant.” “No matter where you travel in the world, the Circuit of Ireland holds a special place in peoples’ hearts – I want to re-invigorate that nostalgia and host a rally worthy of its heritage.” “In essence, I want to build interest in the rally beyond our current base, hopefully bringing new championships and funding partners to the Circuit. “This will take time to realise, and I am appealing for competitors, volunteers and fans to get in touch via the website Welcome to Circuit of Ireland 2010 with their comments and to register for the latest news as it develops.” In 2010, the Circuit of Ireland will be staged during its traditional Easter slot with precise details to be released in the near future.
CIRCUIT OF IRELAND SCOOPS IRC SUPPORTER EVENT STATUS Thursday, December 17 2009 12:05 The Circuit of Ireland has received Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) Supporter Event status in a major coup for the organisers of the world’s second oldest rally. IRC Supporter Event status allows the Circuit of Ireland to be profiled on a world stage and signals the IRC’s intent to consider the Rally as a potential host. Promised changes to Circuit of Ireland and an ambition to place the historic rally once again on an International stage heralded the arrival of Belfast-based global motorsport supremo Bobby Willis, who took control of the day-to-day running of the event last month. Accepting the IRC Supporter Event status at the recent IRC awards ceremony in Paris, Circuit of Ireland Rally Director, Bobby Willis said: “Having this prestigious charter bestowed upon the Circuit of Ireland is the first step in our strategy to re-awake the sleeping sporting giant that is the Circuit of Ireland. On top of that, Circuit of Ireland will be the only rally event to be granted "Supporter Event" in Ireland for 2010.” Present at the special ceremony in Paris was Tyrone and Peugeot UK driver Kris Meeke who was recently crowned 2009 IRC champion. He commented: “The global success and growth of the IRC is testament to the popularity of rallying across the world and I’m delighted that Circuit of Ireland is to become part of this family.” Xavier Gavory, the IRC General Coordinator said: “The IRC Supporter Event status will give the Circuit of Ireland the opportunity to once again increase its international standing while consolidating its reputation on a national level. “The Circuit of Ireland will benefit from the strengths of the IRC brand and aid promotion internationally through on-demand video highlights available on the IRC website.” Circuit of Ireland, Rally Director, Bobby Willis said: “I want to build interest in the Circuit of Ireland beyond our current base, hopefully bringing new championships and funding partners to the Circuit. “This will take time to realise, and I am appealing for competitors, volunteers and fans to get in touch via Facebook or our new website , when it is complete early next year, to register for the latest news as it develops.” In 2010, the Circuit of Ireland will be staged during its traditional Easter slot with precise details to be released in the near future.
New Event Website Launched: Monday, February 08 2010 12:25 Welcome to Circuit of Ireland 2010 Peugeot UK's 2009 IRC Champion co-driver Paul Nagle (left) and driver Kris Meeke (right) look on as Xavier Gavory, the IRC General Coordinator presents Bobby Willis, Circuit of Ireland Rally Director with IRC Supporter Event status.
Gordon Noble Joins Circuit Team as Clerk of the Course Thursday, February 11 2010 17:27 Tyrone man Gordon Noble, a well known figure in Irish motorsport, has been announced as Clerk of the Course for the Circuit of Ireland rally, taking place on Easter weekend, 3 and 4 April. With 25 years of experience of motorsport both on and off the track, Gordon held the same position for last year's WRC Rally Ireland event, and is well-prepared for the April rally which is expected to attract up to 15,000 spectators each day. He will be assisted by Tom Walsh, from Westport in Mayo, who was Clerk of Course for Rally Ireland in 2007 when Gordon was his deputy. With responsibility for meeting safety regulations for the 15 rally stages over 270 miles across four counties and managing a team of up to 700 marshals Gordon doesn't underestimate the challenge ahead of him. He said: "I'm honoured to be asked to be Clerk of the Course for the biggest cross-border sporting event in Ireland this year. It's a great opportunity to show off beautiful parts of the border counties and display a really professional set-up." Gordon stressed that the event relies upon the commitment of the many enthusiastic marshals. He appealed for their support in to make the rally the most prestigious motorsport event in Ireland again. "It is a huge responsibility and not a job I take lightly or underestimate but with the support of Tom Walsh who brings a wealth of experience, and our marshals it's an event we hope will be a big success and one we can build on. "A lot of hard work is going in to reinvigorate the Rally and we hope that it will be a stepping stone to even bigger things. There are lots of very loyal rally fans but we want to welcome visitors outside the usual fan base and bring big economic benefits to the area." Gordon, who works as a DRD engineer in Omagh, will be responsible for the sporting side of the rally, ensuring that safety regulations set by the world governing body of motorsport, the FIA, the British Motorsports Association and Motorsport Ireland are met. Gordon, who is originally from Kesh in Fermanagh, first became involved in rallying in the 1980s in Omagh, and went on to be co-driver for Alastair McCrae. He also navigated for Trevor Cathers and the late Mark Fisher, who won British and Irish titles during the 1990s and for Niall McShea when he was 2004 production World Rally champion. Race Director Bobby Willis said: "I am delighted that someone with Gordon's reputation and standing in the rally community has agreed to join our team. Competitors and rally fans alike will recognise that the vast experience he brings will ensure a professionally run rally." The Circuit of Ireland has received Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) Supporter Event status in a major coup for the organisers of the world's second oldest rally. Seen as a significant step to incorporating a round of the IRC into the Circuit of Ireland format in 2011, the IRC Supporter status has not been bestowed upon any other rally in Ireland or Scotland. The Circuit of Ireland forms round two of the Irish Rally Championship. Full details regarding this year's circuit will be released shortly.
Draft Route Thursday, February 18 2010 20:56 Rally start in Dundalk. Easter Saturday lunchtime - Return to Dundalk late that evening Regroup in Banbridge (Solitude Park) Saturday afternoon. Enabling the public to 'get up close and personal' with the drivers. Finish in Newry late on Easter Sunday afternoon National and Historic competitors These competitors will get an additional 12 miles of stages this year. There will be a six mile stage, run twice at the end of Saturday for this category only. Stages in Monaghan Once again the Circuit of Ireland returns to Monaghan, following excellent collaboration with both Monaghan Motor Club and the Cavan Motor Club, who are managing the stages. Service Areas This year there will be enhanced service time, to enable private teams to keep their cars in the rally. Two segments of 30 minutes on Saturday; one of 45 minutes and one of 30 minutes, on Sunday.
NIGHT STAGES SET TO RETURN TO THE CIRCUIT OF IRELAND RALLY Rally Launched Thursday, February 18 2010 21:00 Clerk of the Course Gordon Noble, Race Director Bobby Willis and last year's winner Eugene Donnelly. A marathon 18 mile (29km) night-time stage will be the centrepiece of this Easter's Circuit of Ireland Rally, as organisers today announced details of the 74th running of the world's second oldest rally. Thousands of rally fans will descend on Dundalk for the ceremonial start on Easter Saturday 3 April before the rally moves on to 9 stages in County Down, with a main rally base in Newry. Saturday's final, night-time, stage is sure to be a daunting proposal to the 135 car entry of the event. Stages of this length are rarely seen in today's rallying and this one is sure to create a buzz with competitors. Easter Sunday will see a restart from Dundalk, with a 45 minute service break taking place in Newry, prior to six stages being run in the Castleblayney/Crossmaglen area. The rally will consist of a total of 15 competitive stages. Rally Director, Bobby Willis said: "I'm sure the efforts of local traders in creating a carnival atmosphere around the start in Dundalk will be well supported. "The feedback to the introduction of the night-time stages has already been immense and we seem to be on the right track in re-invigorating the enthusiasm for the Circuit that we will build on in future years". Outlining some of the activities that Dundalk traders plan for the start of the Circuit, Bill Tosh, Chief Executive of Dundalk Chamber said: "We plan a party type atmosphere, to welcome the 135 cars and thousands of visitors to the centre of Dundalk, ahead of the start. "From 11:00am on Easter Saturday we'll have a host of activities in Market Square for all the family. From 11:30am cars and drivers will assemble in Earl's Street where the public, fans and media can inspect the cars and meet the teams before the first car leaves the ramp outside the courthouse at 12:30 to signal the beginning of the Circuit of Ireland." Other backers for this year's Circuit include Banbridge District Council, who recognise the significant economic benefits the rally brings to the local area, in terms of tourism expenditure. The town will play host to a regroup area, where the general public will be able to meet the drivers. Elizabeth Ingram, Chairman of Banbridge District Council said: "Banbridge District Council is delighted to support the Circuit of Ireland for the third year in succession and the town is ready to warmly welcome competitors and fans to the area. "The rally brings economic benefits to the region through increased trade and bed-nights in the surrounding hotels. "We're looking forward to the night-time stages which will take place close to the town and will prove extremely popular. Our newly refurbished town centre Solitude Park will also make the perfect viewing gallery for spectators and participants alike." Bobby Willis is confident this year's Circuit of Ireland is the first step in a long path in re-building pride, excitement and restoring the Circuit of Ireland on an international stage. "When I took over the day-to-day management of the Circuit a few months ago we promised fans and competitors alike that we'd introduce new elements, as we aim to grow the rally over the coming years. "Already we've secured Intercontinental Rally Championship (IRC) Supporter Event Status and I hope to secure funding to ensure that the Circuit of Ireland becomes a round of the IRC in the near future. "Already the future looks bright for the biggest cross border sporting event in Ireland this year with more than 700 rally fans using Facebook and our web site to get the latest updates." Precise details surrounding the locations of each of the 15 stages will be available in the Circuit of Ireland programmes, which will be available for purchase at local retailers in the days leading up to the rally. A full list of retailers will be available on the rally website. Other sponsors of the Circuit of Ireland 2010 include the Park Inn Hotel, Dundalk; KDM Hire; The Web Bureau and Kantar Media. More Details: Welcome to Circuit of Ireland 2010
Entries for the 74th Circuit of Ireland Rally are now open. Organisers believe the 135 capped entries will fill quickly following news of an 18 mile night-stage that will be run as part of the Easter rally extravaganza. Dundalk will see the ceremonial start on Saturday 3 April before the rally moves on to 15 stages across counties Down, Armagh, Monaghan and Louth. The Circuit plays host to a number of championships including the second round of the hotly contested Citroen Irish Tarmac Rally Championship Don Wilmont, Citroën Irish Tarmac Rally Championship Manager, said: “The Championship began earlier this month with the traditional season opener at the Safety Direct Galway International Rally. “Gareth MacHale and co-driver Brian Murphy won the event in their Ford Focus WRC with a victory over the Ford Fiesta S2000 of Craig Breen and Gareth Roberts. “Finishing third in their WRC Focus were Aaron MacHale and Eugene O'Donnell after seeing off a strong challenge with the overall Group N winners, Alistair Fisher and Rory Kennedy. * “All eyes will now shift to the round two of the championship at the Circuit of Ireland.” The Circuit will also host the Hankook MSA NI Rally Championship, which begins the first of its ten rounds on Saturday (27 February) at Kirkistown Race Circuit with reigning champion Derek McGarrity in his Subaru S12B hoping to start the season as he finished the last. Paul Biggerstaff, entries co-ordinator for the Circuit of Ireland and the Hankook MSA NI Championship, says there is a lot of excitement among drivers ahead of the Circuit of Ireland. “The 18-mile night stage is a big talking point for those who are keen to compete. Rally competitors these days don’t get as much night time driving, especially not for such a long stage, so it will be very challenging. “Drivers are excited by the new plans for the Circuit of Ireland’s future under new Rally Director Bobby Willis and I would encourage competitors to get their entries in soon at www.circuitofireland.net.” Other championships that will be using the Circuit of Ireland stages include the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge, the Citroen Racing Trophy Ireland and the Fiesta Sporting Trophy. Now boosting IRC Supporter Event status, in a major coup for the organisers of the world’s second oldest rally, the eyes of the rallying world will be on competitors and organisers this Easter weekend. The rally will consist of a total of 15 competitive stages. Precise details surrounding the locations of each of the 15 stages will be available in the Circuit of Ireland programmes, which will be available for purchase at local retailers in the days leading up to the rally. A full list of retailers will be available at Welcome to Circuit of Ireland 2010 Sponsors of the Circuit of Ireland 2010 include Dundalk Chamber, Banbridge District Council, the Park Inn Hotel, Dundalk, KDM Hire, The Web Bureau and Kantar Media.
18 mile night stage... Rally cars nearly sound better on a night stage, especially if there's a wee bit of a wooded area/trees on the stage! I'd nearly venture up for that alone
No I am with Nigel Moore in the Nova (Trevor mk2 mans son) real looking forward to it, will need to get a yarn with Glenn actually and see what we can do in the micra this year, i know in my head what events i want but weather he agrees is another thing haha had considered the COI with a mate as a slim opportunity but it's way way out of my budget you be down on saturday?