Circuit roars into Armagh
Thursday, 2 February 2012
A GLOBAL motorsport phenomenon will roar into Armagh this Easter as exclusively revealed by the Ulster Gazette last week.
The 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally joins the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) series in an event that will be broadcast to almost 80 million around the globe.
Starting in Belfast for the first time in over two decades the iconic Harland and Wolff cranes and gleaming new Titanic Belfast building will provide an incredible backdrop as the TitanicSuper Special Stage, broadcast on Eurosport, starts the famous rally across April 6-7.
As part of the Titanic Festival, Good Friday will see thousands of spectators descend on Titanic Quarter as 120 competitors, including the best Irish drivers and IRC stars from around the world, race across an adrenaline filled track of more than 2km, specially designed to guarantee incredible spectator viewing.
The rally then powers south for 14 more stages over two days centred round the historic host city of Armagh and also including a city centre Power Stage in Lisburn which attracted 15,000 spectators last year.
Speaking to the Ulster Gazette following the announcement, UUP councillor Jim Speers said: "I am absolutely delighted to hear the news.
“We have been working closely with the rally organisers and our own local fraternity of rally enthusiasts."
He added: "The event will give Armagh big exposure, great PR and TV coverage especially as it's an international rally.
“With the spotlight on Armagh, I would hope the city will reap the benefits."
Global motorsport promoter Bobby Willis, is also Rally Director.
He said: "2012 will be the biggest and best Circuit of Ireland Rally in more than two decades as we continue to restore the event to its former glory.
“First and foremost, I want to thank both Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland who were visionary in realising the potential of this event and worked tirelessly to secure it.
“The Titanic Super Special Stage will be a feast for motorsport fans and families alike with some of the world's biggest rallying stars, including current IRC series champion, Norway's Andreas Mikkelsen, thrilling crowds on a stage that will be built beneath grandstands yards from where the Titanic was launched.
“The slippery surface of this stage will really test the competitors making it incredibly exciting for both drivers and spectators alike."
Willis, who organised the Super Special Stage at Stormont in 2007 as part of Rally Ireland, has always been keen to ensure the public get as close to the drivers as possible.
“Fans and families will have the opportunity to meet the drivers before a ceremonial start at Belfast City Hall and again in Lisburn and Armagh as we bring the Rally back to the people."
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