ERC - Circuit Of Ireland Rally 2016

[davecoupe]

Just announced today, for the first time since 1991, the Circuit will be a round of the British Rally championship.

That means the Circuit of Ireland moves from its traditional Easter spot on the Rallying calendar, to the 8th and 9th of April and now could make up a round of the European Rally Championship, Irish Tarmac Championship and the British Championship.

The Circuit seems to be regaining some of its prestige again although moving the date from the historical Easter date might ruffle a few feathers. This could be a great boost for rallying over here again, having Irish lads compete with the top British and European drivers can only be a good thing.

 

[Cess]

Still a provisional date at this stage, but glad they are being flexible, because if they stuck with the Easter date it would be too close to West Cork.

Exciting announcement and good to see the round restored to BRC.

No confirmation of the 2016 ERC rounds yet, other than Janner will not be part of the championship.

7 round championship for BRC with three all tarmac rounds.

 

[davecoupe]

Its likely it will be a round of the ERC though @Cess ?

 

[Graham]

It would need to be ERC as the funding from the "folks on the hill" was for a 3 year deal, of which only two have been served, the ITC / BTC will not bring enough revenue or coverage to justify the £3m plus that has been granted for the three years

 

[Graham]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzZHfBF2zeOpLWtyb21zdDhVQzg/view


2016 BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP CALL UP FOR CIRCUIT OF IRELAND RALLY

The Circuit of Ireland Rally has been selected for inclusion on the 2016 British Rally Championship (BRC) calendar. This will be the first time since 1991, when it was won by the late world champion Colin McRae, that the Circuit will be part of Britain’s premier rally series. Also included on the calendar will be the Ulster Rally alongside three rounds in Scotland and one each in England and Wales.

Circuit of Ireland Event Director, Bobby Willis, explains, “It is a great honour to be considered for selection for the 2016 BRC and an even greater thrill now to be able to confirm our inclusion for next year. Being part of the European Rally Championship for the last two years has been a fantastic experience and the success we have enjoyed has demonstrated our capability to deliver an event of the highest professional and sporting standards. We are absolutely delighted that all the hard work is paying off with this further national boost and that both Northern Ireland and the Circuit of Ireland Rally are now hugely respected and recognised as hosts and organisers of world class events.”

Announcing the calendar, Ben Taylor, Managing Director of BRC organisers International Motorsports, said, "We are very excited to be able to include the Circuit of Ireland in the 2016 British Rally Championship calendar. The Circuit is the second biggest rally in the UK, enjoys a legendary reputation around the world and creates an amazing atmosphere in Belfast and the surrounding towns. It is natural that the best British drivers want to test themselves on the international stage against the ERC stars and we look forward to bringing something new to the show next year."

News of the 2016 British Rally Championship calendar inclusion is further good news for 2015 Circuit of Ireland Rally organisers who have just reported significant increases in spectator numbers – up 7% on last year’s figures at 80,000; major growth in global audience figures – Eurosport has indicated a 40% increase on 2014; and the overall contribution to the local economy up from £1.5million to £1.8million.

Bobby Willis added, “We set ourselves big objectives and I believe our team more than delivered with a hugely successful three days culminating in a win for popular Irish driver Craig Breen, currently still leading the European Rally Championships. It was also very exciting to host TV and movie star Idris Elba as a ‘competitor’ taking part for the Discovery Channel’s documentary series, “Idris Elba: No Limits”. Along with local co-driver, Michael Orr, his exploits will be aired on Monday 6th July at 9pm and I’m sure the programme will provide an excellent insight into the adrenalin rush of rally driving as well as being a great showcase for Northern Ireland especially as it is to be shown in over 200 countries worldwide. On both counts, potential competitors in the 2016 British Rally Championship will get a real flavour of what to expect next year.”

 

[cormac81]

Is the ulster rally a round for the BRC in 2016?

 

[swansty]

Is the ulster rally a round for the BRC in 2016?

Yes.

 

[Cess]

justify the £3m plus that has been granted for the three years

Tourism Northern Ireland gave them £150k in 2014. I'd imagine 2015 figures are something similar. Local councils would also have provided funding. But it's nowhere near £1m per year. That whole events fund is only around £2.5m a year.

 

[Graham]

maybe i was thinking 300k plus lol

none the less i am sure it was to help pay ERC for the time

 

[Cess]

Yeah, it was funded through an initiative to promote internationally recognised events. If they threw the money at it that the Giro got, it would be a WRC round for sure!

 

[RCT]

Is the ulster rally a round for the BRC in 2016?

https://www.msauk.org/International-Motor-Sports-confirms-provisional-BRC-calendar-for-2016

 

[OZ10]

Last I heard it wasn't going to be an ERC round, however I could be wrong. If not it's a big step backwards

 

[Graham]

Last I heard it wasn't going to be an ERC round, however I could be wrong. If not it's a big step backwards

I would put money on it being ERC in 2016

 

[Graham]

2016 CIRCUIT OF IRELAND JUST GETS BIGGER AND BETTER

Organisers of the Circuit of Ireland Rally are gearing up for an even bigger and better event in 2016. Following another hugely successful year when spectator numbers increased by 7% to over 78,000 and the direct economic impact for Northern Ireland was recorded at £1.8 million, the 2016 Circuit of Ireland will not only be once again part of the prestigious FIA European Rally Championship but has also been selected for inclusion in both the 2016 British Championship (BRC) calendar and the Irish Tarmac Championship series. It will also be a counting round in the Northern Ireland championship.

Now established as one of the top five sporting events in Northern Ireland, the 2016 Circuit will be the third of 10 rounds in the ERC schedule, the second asphalt race in the competition and the only UK and Ireland based event in the European Championship. Again, the rally will include the increasingly important ERC Junior Championship for drivers under 27.

New for 2016 is the inclusion in the BRC calendar which is the first time the Circuit has been selected since 1991 when it was won by the late World champion Colin McRae. To accommodate European calendar scheduling, the rally will move from its traditional Easter date to take place from Thursday 7th April to Saturday 9th April 2016.

The provisional list of dates issued by the ERC promoter, Eurosport Events, on 5th November 2015, followed a meeting of the FIA Rally Commission. The schedule will now go to the FIA World Motor Sport Council for final ratification when it meets on 2nd December 2015.

Welcoming the news, Event Director, Bobby Willis said: “The past two years have seen the Circuit of Ireland growing in stature and reclaiming its legendary position as a world class event. It has been a fantastic experience being part of the European Rally Championship. To now be included as part of the British Rally Championship as well, demonstrates our ability to deliver an event of the highest professional and sporting standards.”

“Last year 30 million viewers across the world watched the various stages on Eurosport, its global media partners and the Discovery channel. This exposure is not only fantastic for Northern Ireland but hugely increases our attraction as an event for international competitors. We’ve already begun discussions with teams and individuals interested in competing and I know that the line-up will once again be exceptional. The Circuit of Ireland is now firmly established at the premium end of the international rally arena and we are really looking forward to a very exciting Championship programme.”




For up-to-date information visit Home Page
For ERC details visit Pressure not pictured for returning ERC ace Tempestini




The provisional FIA European Rally Championship calendar for 2016 is as follows:
5-7 February Rally Liepāja (Latvia, gravel/ice/snow) (J)
11-13 March Rally Islas Canarias (asphalt)
7-9 April Circuit of Ireland Rally (Northern Ireland, asphalt) (J)
6-8 May Acropolis Rally (Greece, gravel) **
2-4 June SATA Rallye Açores (Portugal, gravel) (J)
23-25 June Kenotek by CID LINES Ypres Rally (Belgium, asphalt) (J)
15-17 July auto24 Rally Estonia (gravel) * (J)
5-7 August Rajd Rzeszowski (Poland, asphalt)
26-28 August Barum Czech Rally Zlín (Czech Republic, asphalt) (J)
24-25 September Cyprus Rally (gravel)

Reserve event
20-22 October Rallye International du Valais (Switzerland, asphalt)

(J) Indicates FIA ERC Junior Championship round
*Subject to signing of ERC Promoter agreement
**Subject to signing the ERC Promoter agreement and sporting power delegation to the local federation

 

[Sam.]

Spotted this on Twitter.
Coleraine Chronicle - News - Circuit on road for North Coast?

Circuit on road for North Coast?

Thursday, 12 November 2015

THE world famous Circuit of Ireland Rally could be on its way back to the North Coast as early as 2016, ending a 30 year long wait in the process, The Chronicle can exclusively reveal this week. For a number of months now those responsible for organising the closed-roads event have been weighing up the possibility of running special stages in the local area with the support of council.

A town re-group is also believed to be on the agenda where motorsport fans and members of the public could get the chance to meet their favourite drivers and also see the rally cars up close.

The news comes just three weeks after the Royal and Ancient held a press conference at Royal Portrush to confirm The Open Championship is returning to the links course for only a second time.

Next year the Circuit will be a counting round of four different series, including the European Rally Championship that features works teams, and the re-launched MSA British Rally Championship.

A new-look Irish Tarmac Championship is also generating considerable interest meaning as many as 150 crews are expected to take part in the two-day event, which could run out of Belfast for a third consecutive year.

1986 was the last time it ran through the North Coast, with David Llewellin and Phil Short triumphing aboard their MG Metro 6R4. Since then it has changed from being a marathon competition to a sprint.

The Circuit's Event Director, Bobby Willis, will attend the monthly Leisure and Development meeting in Cloonavin later this evening (Tuesday) and outline his exciting ideas for the Easter classic.

 

[RallyCiaran]

This was on the BRC facebook page last week. I've seen that view enough times to know it is Tower Road at Garron Point on the Antrim Coast.

 

[Cess]

Personally, I can't see the Causeway Coast & Glens Council forking out money for an event that it doesn't need, in a constrained funding climate. They already heavily fund one world class motorsport event amongst a host of other events. Plus the 'Ports', Ballycastle etc are all rammed around Easter, rally or no rally.

 

[RallyCiaran]

Plus the 'Ports', Ballycastle etc are all rammed around Easter, rally or no rally.

But remember the rally isn't at Easter next year.

 

[Cess]

No it's the week after.

 

[swansty]

IRC (pre ERC) dvd's for sale
IRC Rally DVD's

 

[Blackie]

I can't wait for this! Family situation permitting I hope to be marshalling at it

 

[Sam.]

CIRCUIT QUALIFYING RELOCATES TO HISTORIC GARDENS VENUE IN ANTRIM

The restored 17th century formal gardens and parklands at Antrim Castle Gardens will be the majestic setting for the 2016 Circuit of Ireland official Qualifying Stage on Thursday 7th April ahead of two days of competitive rallying around Counties Antrim and Down on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th April.

The award winning gardens alongside interpretative, community and arts centre Clotworthy House, will reverberate to the sounds of up to 80 rally cars, drivers and co-drivers from 12.30pm outside Clotworthy House, a former stable block and then family home of Viscount Masserene and his descendants.

The new venue continues the Circuit’s tradition of using a significant and historic tourist attraction to kick off the qualifying stage following the highly successful Ulster Folk and Transport Museum qualifying and shakedown sessions in 2014 and 2015.

Organised in partnership with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, the Thursday 7th April Qualifying Stage will encompass a closed road free practice session in the morning with European Championship priority cars departing from Antrim’s Loughshore car park and travelling on roads in the Tardree area before regrouping at Antrim Castle Gardens at approximately midday. Following the official Qualifying Start at 12.30pm, cars will leave at one minute intervals from 12.30pm onwards to undertake the competitive qualifying on the roads east of Antrim town then returning to the King’s Hall Belfast Service Park.

Event Director Bobby Willis said:
“Our Shakedown and Qualifying stages are hugely important sections of the Circuit as this is the first opportunity for the international competitors to practice before battling for the fastest time and their opportunity to pick their start order for the following day’s competition.

“This also heralds the start of an exciting three-day festival of competitive rallying. It’s so important to select a stunning venue of international importance to impress and win over our global visitors and media.

“The Large Parterre and Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Gardens alongside the Yew Tree Pond and the banks of the Sixmilewater river will provide a wonderful scenic backdrop and will, through the coverage of Eurosport and other broadcasters, showcase Historic Antrim as a top tourist attraction worldwide.”

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg added:
“We are delighted that Antrim has been chosen as a destination to host the qualifying stage of this prestigious event. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the outstanding facilities and services that are available within our Borough. I look forward to welcoming the competitors and their teams to the Borough and wish them and the organisers every success for a safe and enjoyable event.”

The Circuit of Ireland Rally takes place on 7-9 April and is the second of 10 rounds in the 2016 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). The 2016 event is also part of the 2016 British Championship (BRC) the Irish Tarmac Championship series and is a counting round of the Northern Ireland Championship.

Circuit organisers will in due course announce further details on the rally route, stages and entries.
In addition to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough other regional councils supporting the 2016 Circuit of Ireland Rally are Belfast City Council, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Ards and North Down, Lisburn and Castlereagh and Mid and East Antrim Council. Newry, Mourne and Down District and Causeway Coast and Glens Council have also pledged their support of the international event.

Entries are open from 12 February and organisers are expecting strong interest from a range of home based and international teams and drivers.

The Circuit team would also welcome new volunteers to help manage each of the stages and anyone interested can contact organisers via the volunteer page on www.circuitofireland.net.
For up-to-date information visit coi2016 . Follow on www.facebook.com/circuitofireland or www.twitter.com/CircuitIreland .

For ERC details visit Pressure not pictured for returning ERC ace Tempestini

ENDS

 

[swansty]

The event is really coming together now. As always, we need a huge amount of manpower to help run stages, technical areas, regroups etc. If anyone is interested please go to the webpage and register. coi2016

 

[starletterry]

Im running one of the Stages on the Saturday 9th April and as usual need all the help that can be got....Stage is outside Dromore Co.Down known as Bulls Brook. Any help would be gratefully appreciated. Breakfast (full fry) will be provided on the Sat morning along with a marshalls gift pack.

 

[ChrisR]

Looks like Newtownards TT stage is on again this year on Friday 8th going by this http://media.wix.com/ugd/0eeea4_8e8813d3c1464d80a1f0b9b154e4cf37.pdf