Ulster Gazette - News - 'Circuit' for city

News

'Circuit' for city

Thursday, 26 January 2012

MOTORSPORT fans from around the world will descend on Armagh this Easter as the city hosts host the 2012 Circuit of Ireland Rally.
The rally will also be a new addition to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) series in 2012 - the third most popular motorsport series on the planet after Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship.
This will be the city's second consecutive year hosting the event but, with it now incorporated into the IRC series, fans could flock from all around the globe.
The 13-round IRC series will travel Europe, with the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally being the only UK or Irish round on the calendar which will be hosted in its traditional Easter slot, on April 6 and 7.
Televised across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas by Eurosport, the IRC series last year boasted a global viewing audience of 79 million and reaffirms the Circuit of Ireland's arrival once again on a worldwide sporting stage.
Thousands are expected to flock to these shores to watch the thrilling action, further boosting tourism in the city and beyond.
This will be the Circuit of Ireland's 81st year in operation and it remains the highlight of the Irish Tarmac Championship.
The Gazette understands that the official announcement of Armagh as venue will be made this Thursday in Belfast when more details will become available.
Armagh City and District Council was recently given a presentation by organisers and councillors were keen to see the event back in Armagh.
Ulster Unionist Councillor Jim Speers said: "The issue discussed was whether it should be in the city centre or the Mall.
“There are two views, but we are primarily interested in finding the place where it would have maximum impact commercially and for visitors to come into the city centre.
“We are working with the organisers in order to have maximum impact over the several days visitors will be here.
“We were entering the negotiation stages, but there was a good spirit of support and the council was very enthusiastic abut the whole thing."
He added: "We have to worry on finding ways and means to help the economy and generate money, not only for the city, but also for the wider Armagh area.
“We are lucky that in Armagh we have racing enthusiasts who have kept the rally project alive and hopefully we can continue to bring these events to the city."
Fellow Ulster Unionist Sylvia McRoberts admitted the rally would have "an enormous impact on the city and district."
“The fact that this is an international rally makes it so much more important," she told the Gazette.
“As a result, Armagh will receive worldwide coverage, which is fantastic news for the city."
DUP Councillor Gareth Wilson - a keen classic car and rally enthusiast himself - said the event would be a great boost for the city and district.
He stated: "Rallying and classic cars have a massive following in County Armagh and, in fact, across Northern Ireland.
“Bringing the Intercontinental Rally Challenge to these shores will make a lot of rally fans very happy this Easter and it will be an exciting spectacle."
Mr Wilson added: "The Circuit of Ireland is well-known throughout the world and incorporating it with a round of the IRC makes this a must-see event in the rally calendar.
“I have no doubt thousands of enthusiasts will turn out to see the event in April. It will be a good boost for the area."
A jubilant Bobby Willis, event director for the Circuit of Ireland, speaking after the IRC confirmed they were coming, said: "We've done it!".
“When we took over the running of the Rally in 2010, we stated that we wanted to reawaken the sleeping giant that is the Circuit of Ireland and the announcement is the realisation of that vision.
“Be under no illusions - this country can look forward to hosting a truly world class sporting event in 2012, a rally that will captivate the fans and the general public alike as we bring the Rally to the people."
François Ribeiro, Eurosport Events Motorsport Business Director, said: "We are delighted to welcome the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland to the IRC family.
“Ever since the IRC's inception in 2007, it has been our objective to showcase new events, but to also join forces with established rallies with a strong reputation, entry list and following.
“The Circuit of Ireland Rally certainly has the tradition and a strong motorsport support.
“No doubt this rally will showcase the IRC's core values - competition, accessibility, enthusiasm."
Dungannon driver Kris Meeke - who won the IRC series in 2009 - said: "Hosting such a high profile event here is unbelievable and is fantastic news for rally fans in Ireland.
“My congratulations to Bobby Willis and the Circuit of Ireland team who will deliver a sporting event that will showcase my home country on a global scale!
“As anyone who watched the series, over recent years, on Eurosport will testify, it's highly competitive and makes compulsive viewing. I'm certain the reigning IRC champion, Norway's Andreas Mikkelsen, and all the competitors and teams, will receive a warm welcome here next Easter from the thousands that will attend."
Terence Donnelly, Managing Director of the Donnelly Motor Group, said: "Everyone at the Donnelly Group is absolutely delighted that the Circuit of Ireland Rally has secured such an exciting series as the IRC.
“From the outset I shared Bobby's vision for the rebirth of the Circuit and am proud to support its continued development. Last year's event was an incredible success and I look forward to developing this partnership in the coming months, culminating in an amazing Easter event."