Circuit Of Ireland 2012 - Event Launch/latest News

[Cess]

The event launch took place this morning for the 2012 Circuit of Ireland, which will form the 3rd round of this year's IRC series.

Major announcements: The rally will begin on Good Friday - 6th April 2012 - with a super special stage in the Titanic Quarter and will be broadcast on Eurosport.

Find details of the stage layout here: http://www.circuitofireland.net/uploads/1327577972PR2f-Titanic-Super-Special-Layout.pdf

The rally will then move south to to a base in Armagh for 14 more stages, which will also include two runs through a city centre power stage in Lisburn.

Full press release here: http://www.circuitofireland.net/upl...t-of-Ireland-Rally-Launch-General-Release.pdf

Schedule: CIRCUIT OF IRELAND RALLY 2012

Friday 6th April

16.00 Ceremonial Start – Belfast City Hall

16.20 Autograph Session / Meet the drivers at Titanic Super Special

16.45 Cars leave for ‘Free Service’ before SS 1

17.00 Start of SS 1/2 – Titanic Super Special

SS 3 & 4

19.47 Service ‘A’ Armagh – 30 minutes

SS 5 & 6 - will be run in the dark!!!

22.32 Parc Ferme – In Armagh

Saturday 7th April

08.00 Start of Leg 2 and Service ‘B’ Armagh – 45 Minutes

SS 7, 8 & 9

11.14 Service ‘C’ Armagh – 30 minutes

SS 10, 11 & 12

14.15 Service ‘D’ Armagh – 30 minutes

16.00 Lisburn Power Stage

SS 15 & SS 16

18.21 Service ‘E’ Armagh – 10 minutes

19.00 Finish Podium & Prizegiving


Overview of stages here: http://www.circuitofireland.net/uploads/1327577941PR2d-Overview-Map.pdf

 

[davecoupe]

Titanic and Lisburn super special stages

Their website seems to be down at the minute though....

 

[cormac81]

Looking forward to this

 

[Mel]

Watched a bit of the launch with Kris Meeke and Peter Robinson being interviewed on the BBC news at lunchtime, special stages aren't my thing but will make it down to a couple of ordinary ones on the Sat

 

[Graham]

Will have a few images up from the press launch this morning, BBC were not hanging about, the thing didn't finish till after 12noon lol

 

[Graham]

 

[sideways365]

Yes saw the feature on bbc news at lunch time, the 2 fri evening stages will be good in the dark!

 

[Graham]

COI Press Day: http://www.reallymeansounds.com/report.php?event=669

 

[Graham]

Titanic Super Special Stage set for sell out!

Tickets are now on sale for one of the most anticipated motorsport events in Ireland, this year. The Titanic Super Special Stage of the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally which will begin in Belfast on Good Friday 6 April.

Thousands of spectators are expected to wave off more than 100 competitors from across the world, from Belfast City Hall at 4pm before the Rally superstars take on the challenge of a spectacular purpose built stage in Titanic Quarter.

This year the famous Circuit of Ireland Rally will form the third round of the global Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) with the action and images of Belfast broadcast into the homes of millions around the world, courtesy of Eurosport.

Tickets for the Titanic Super Special Stage, which forms part of Belfast City Council’s incredible Titanic Festival, can be purchased from the Belfast Welcome Centre or www.circuitofireland.net

Rally Director Bobby Willis is confident the remarkable line-up of drivers and action packed stage will see tickets snapped up in record time.

“Since launching details of the Titanic Super Special Stage in January, we have been inundated with calls and emails from excited fans desperate to know when they can get their hands on tickets. The answer is now!

“The opportunity to see some of the world’s greatest rally stars, such as reigning IRC Champion, Norway’s Andreas Mikkelsen and Juho Hänninen of Finland (who have been swapping fastest times throughout recent IRC events) as they hurtle round a track at incredible speeds does not come around often – especially so close to the city !

“We’ll also have a Celebratory Challenge and former world motorcycle street bike freestyle champion Mattie Griffin will amaze the crowds on his BMW F 800 R, before the rally stars take on the stage at Titanic Quarter.”

The Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) will be selling the tickets through the Belfast Welcome Centre. Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Servicing at BVCB said:

“Belfast is definitely ready to welcome visitors from Europe, and further afield, for the Titanic Super Special Stage which forms part of the Titanic Festival.

“The new multi-million pound Titanic Belfast, which will already be open and the famous Harland and Wolff cranes will provide an unforgettable backdrop to the stage which is to be broadcast on Eurosport.

“The Titanic Super Special Stage is an event which will appeal to rally fans and families alike. Advance booking will be essential and tickets are priced between £12.50 and £25 with VIP packages also available through the Belfast Welcome Centre.”

A number of Group B cars will be driven on the Super Special, before the competition, including the hugely impressive Ari Vatanen 4 wheel drive, 4 wheel steering and 700 brake horse power Peugeot 405 T16, which was driven to victory on the 1989 Pikes Peak Hillclimb in America. This is a very rare appearance for this gem, of which only two cars were only ever built.

Belfast City Centre Management has been working closely with the Rally organisers. City Centre Manager, Andrew Irvine said: “The Titanic Super Special Stage at 5pm on Good Friday guarantees a great day out for all the family and I’m thrilled that for the first time in over two decades, the Circuit of Ireland will be starting in Belfast.

“The Circuit will add to what is always a busy trading day in Belfast. We have worked closely with organisers so that there will be no disruption to traffic flow around the city centre.

“This is a major boost for Belfast traders, allowing them to showcase their offering to the many tourists expected to attend.”

Mr Willis continued: “Fans follow the IRC wherever it goes and those visiting Belfast for the first time will not be disappointed thanks to the amazing Easter Weekend programme of events secured by Tourism Ireland and Northern Ireland Tourist Board, along with Belfast City Council.

“Support from the tourism bodies and Armagh, Lisburn and Belfast Councils has once again been incredible and I’m delighted that the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally has secured such a massive opportunity to promote Belfast, and Northern Ireland as a whole, as the ‘must visit’ European destination of the moment.”

Following the Titanic Super Special, drivers will take on 14 stages centred around the historic host city of Armagh with additional stages across counties Down and Tyrone. Easter Saturday will also see the return of the hugely popular city centre Lisburn Power Stage which is expected to draw thousands of spectators, as in 2011.

Standing and seated tickets for the Titanic Super Special Stage can be purchased at the Belfast Welcome Centre, 47 Donegall Place, Belfast BT1 5AD, +44 (0)28 9024 6609 or online at www.gotobelfast.com and www.circuitofireland.net

The Rally can also be followed on Facebook at Circuit of Ireland Rally.

Titanic Super Special Stage Ticket Prices:
Seated in grandstand – £25
Standing – £12.50

VIP packages start at £60 (plus VAT) per person. For more details on the VIP packages please contact the Belfast Welcome Centre on +44 (0)28 9024 6609

 

[Graham]

Attention Circuit of Ireland Marshals and Volunteers: Win a Trip to Rally Barbados!

The 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally is delighted to announce an exciting competition, open to all volunteers and marshals over the age of 17, to win a trip to this year’s Sol Rally Barbados.

Volunteers who dedicate their time to the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally, which takes place this Easter Weekend 6/7 April, will automatically be entered into the draw. Two lucky winners will then be whisked off to sunny Barbados to see how international rallying is done on the other side of the Atlantic!

The Sol Rally Barbados event takes place over 9-10 June 2012 and is organised in association with Pacenotes Rally Magazine and the Barbados Tourism Development Corporation.

Closer to home, the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally which this year forms part of the world renowned Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), has opportunities for volunteers to assist on Good Friday 6th April, Easter Saturday 7th April or on both dates, where possible.

Assistance is needed:
• On the incredibly exciting stages around Armagh, Dungannon and Banbridge
• On Titanic Super Special Stage 6th April and Lisburn Power Stage 7th April
• In the service area at Armagh City Hotel
• On the Radio Networks on the stages
• At Belfast City Hall as the cars and drivers assemble before the Titanic Super Special Stage
• And in the re-fuel areas

Des O’Loan, Manpower Manager at the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally, is delighted with the response from volunteers so far:

“Once again, we have had a terrific response from volunteers eager to be involved with this historic event.

“I would like to highlight that no previous experience is necessary as all volunteers will attend training sessions prior to the Rally.

“All new volunteers will have a fantastic opportunity to get close to the action and work alongside some of the most experienced motorsport officials in the country. They will become part of a team lead by experienced Marshals who have been working on the event for many years, do a fantastic job and help everyone to have safe and enjoyable rally.

“This year, with so many volunteers, it is essential everyone registers through our website and do so at the earliest opportunity. The Marshals Registration Instructions can be downloaded from the Marshals tab online at www.circuitofireland.net.

“All volunteers over the age of 17 will automatically be entered to win a Rally adventure to Barbados. The Sol Rally Barbados is a really great event and I know the two lucky winners will have a super time.”

So why not play a vital role at the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally this Easter to be in with a chance of winning the best prize in UK and Irish rallying!

You must be aged 17 or over to apply, and apply via www.circuitofireland.net to volunteer...

 

[Graham]

COI Titanic Super Special Stage Press Launch: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegingerdaddy/sets/72157629590132171/

Belfast Lord Mayor Niall Ó Donnghaile after his spin with Donagh Kelly

Darren Gass has a blast in the Impreza WRC

Little and Large

 

[Graham]

TITANIC SUPER SPECIAL STAGE READY FOR CIRCUIT OF IRELAND RALLY TAKE-OFF!

The smell and roar of engines filled the air today at Titanic Quarter in Belfast, as media, VIPs and competition winners attended a test day and had a sneak preview of the incredible Titanic Super Special Stage which has just been completed ahead of this Easter’s Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally.

Celebrities including former Ireland and Ulster rugby captain Simon Best experienced the drive of his life today as he was sped around the newly completed spectator stage which will form the opening stage of this year’s Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland.

More than 2,000 tonnes of spoil have been removed from the site to shape a spectacular 2km stage that will enthral the thousands expected to pack the grandstands as part of the Titanic Festival on Good Friday 6 April.

More than 120 competitors and visitors from around the globe will descend on Belfast for the opening stage as this year the famous “Circuit” becomes the third round of the global Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) which will be broadcast to millions courtesy of Eurosport.

Former rugby legend Simon Best experienced the thrilling stage as a co-driver travelling at speeds of over 100 mph over the tight winding stage.

While he was co-driver today Simon will be driving come Good Friday as the first driver announced to take part in the Celebrity Challenge taking place before the Titanic Super Special Stage.

The former Ulster star who has more than 100 caps for Ulster said:

“That was an incredible experience!”

“I have followed the Circuit of Ireland for many years as a fan, but to be actually sitting in the car is unbelievable. The acceleration is unreal and the skills of the competitors in keeping the car on the stage is truly amazing.

“I’m looking forward to going to Rally school and then competing on Titanic Super Special Stage on Good Friday. Hopefully I’ll keep her between the hedges!”

“The stage is brilliant and families and rally fans are in for a treat this Easter weekend. The inclusion of the Rally in the IRC series will profile this country to a massive global audience in a very important year for tourism in 2012.”

The family action will begin on Good Friday with a ceremonial start at Belfast City Hall at 4pm where families will be able to meet and greet the drivers before the action moves to Titanic Quarter.

Ahead of the competitive first special stage of the rally which starts at 5pm, families at the Titanic Quarter will be treated to a motorsport spectacular which will include:

• A Celebrity Challenge – local celebrities going head-to-head
• Former world motorcycle street bike freestyle champion Mattie Griffin
• A number of classic rally cars including Ari Vatanen’s Pikes Peak winning Peugeot 405 T16, which will make a very rare appearance

Then it’s the main event as the Titanic Quarter comes alive with the sound of engines and smell of petrol as competitors from across Europe battle the best of the Irish drivers in a spectator stage in the shadow of the gleaming Titanic Belfast building and yards from where the famous liner was built.

Rally Director, Bobby Willis is very excited about this year’s motorsport spectacular. He said:

“We are trying to widen the appeal of this famous Rally and encourage more families to attend. By bringing the Rally to a city centre we hope to attract new followers to Rallying.

“Those attending the Circuit of Ireland this year will not be disappointed. We’ve been working hard to ensure a family friendly event and one that allows spectators get closer to the action than ever before but from a safe environment. That’s exactly what the Titanic Super Special Stage will deliver – good, clean family fun!”

“Rallying is undergoing something of a revival in Ireland and last year we witnessed that with thousands of fans following the action in Armagh and Lisburn. This year will be no different.”

Following the Titanic Super Special Stage, 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.

The Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) will be selling tickets through the Belfast Welcome Centre for Titanic Super Special Stage priced at £12.50 standing, reserved seating £25.00 and VIP tickets £72. Family passes are also available priced £90. Tickets can be purchased online at www.circuitofireland.net or by calling 028 90 246609.

The IRC is one of the most followed motorsport series on the planet with a cumulative audience of 79 million viewers in 2010 (official 2011 data has not yet been released) and rose to prominence in the UK and Ireland when Dungannon’s Kris Meeke won the title in 2009.

For further information go to www.circuitofireland.net or Facebook Circuit of Ireland Rally.

 

[Graham]

I have made this thread a Sticky...

 

[Graham]

GLOBAL RALLY SUPERSTARS CONFIRM CIRCUIT ENTRIES
Entry list revealed for 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally

A spectacular line up of international drivers has been revealed for the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally, including reigning IRC Champion, Andreas Mikkelsen.

The Rally entry list is packed with entries from both international and local rally heroes who will be battling the clock this Easter Weekend 6/7 April for the coveted Circuit title.

This year the entrants will have the added pressure of the Titanic Super Special Stage which takes place at 5pm on Good Friday in Titanic Quarter, Belfast.

Andreas Mikkelsen, the youngest champion in the history of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, will spearhead the line-up of for the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland at Easter. The 22-year-old Norwegian, who won the IRC title in dramatic fashion in the final event of last season, leads a powerful Skoda assault on the rally which begins from Belfast City Hall on Good Friday (April 6).

Mikkelsen will be backed up by Finland’s Juho Hanninen, the champion in 2010, and Czech Jan Kopecky, who has been runner-up in the series for the past three years, as Skoda seek to retain the manufacturers’ championship.

Super 2000 Skoda Fabias will also be driven by rising German star Sepp Wiegand and Ireland’s 2010 Billy Coleman Award winner Robert Barrable, the former UK and Irish Citroen Trophy champion.

Mikkelsen, who drives for the Skoda UK team, became champion when he won the final two 2011 rounds in Scotland and Cyprus, snatching the title from under the nose of Kopecky, and this season has followed up with victory in the Azores, the first driver to win three IRC rallies in a row.

He also led round two, the Corte Ingles Rally in the Canary Islands, until the last stage but an engine problem saw him fall back and lose out to Kopecky.

No stranger to the Circuit of Ireland having begun his career as a teenager, not in his native Norway, but on Irish and UK events, Mikkelsen has graduated to the top of the IRC rankings and returns to Belfast as the charismatic fresh face of international rallying.

Mikkelsen is No.1 in a starting list of more than 100 cars in the international and national categories of the rally which will also see the Peugeot challenge led by Ireland’s World Academy champion Craig Breen, who is now the current leader of the World Super 2000 championship.

The 22-year-old from Waterford will move from Ford to Peugeot to join the French Sainteloc team for the first of four IRC appearances in an evolution 207. His team-mate will be Mathieu Arzeno, one of France’s most exciting young talents and a protégé of World champion Sebastien Loeb.

Top Ulster driver in the entry list is Alastair Fisher, 23-year-old nephew of three times Circuit of Ireland winner Bertie Fisher.

Fisher has set his sights on succeeding Breen as WRC Academy champion this year but will make three IRC appearances in an S2000 Ford Fiesta run by M-Sport, Ford’s World championship team.

Irish drivers will be strongly represented in the IRC two-wheel-drive Cup category where Marty McCormack, reigning British F2 champion, and Mark Donnelly, current leader of the British series, are among the leading entries. They take on experienced Europeans such as France’s Robert Consani and Hungary’s Menyhert Krozser.

Former Irish Tarmac champions Derek McGarrity and Eugene Donnelly head the national entry, McGarrity in one of the new WRC Minis and Donnelly in a WRC Toyota Corolla.

They will be followed over the City Hall start ramp by Darren Gass (Subaru), winner of the opening round of this year’s Tarmac championship, the Galway International, and three times Northern Ireland champion Kenny McKinstry (Subaru).

Bobby Willis, Event Director of the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally, is delighted with the entry field:

“The entry list is really strong for this year’s Circuit. The interest and support from the many international drivers wanting to get involved has been fantastic. But as always, it’s also great to see the entries flood in from our local Rally talent.

“The purpose built Titanic Super Special Stage on Good Friday will be spectacular for spectators and competitors alike. For the drivers, this is a particularly challenging stage and for the spectators, this is an incredible opportunity to see the action up close.”

A full entry list can be seen at www.circuitofireland.net.

The Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) will be selling tickets through the Belfast Welcome Centre for Titanic Super Special Stage priced at £12.50 standing, reserved seating £25.00 and VIP tickets £72. Family passes are also available priced £90. Tickets can be purchased online at www.circuitofireland.net or by calling 028 90 246609.

For further information go to www.circuitofireland.net or Facebook Circuit of Ireland Rally.

 

[Graham]

RALLY GREATS TO ATTEND ARMAGH RALLY FORUM
2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally

With just over a week to go until the world renowned Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) descends upon Northern Ireland, the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally is giving you the opportunity to put your questions to some of the biggest names in motorsport.

Ahead of the Circuit this Easter Weekend 6/7 April 2012, it has been announced a Rally Forum will take place in the Armagh City Hotel in the Rally’s host city of Armagh, on Wednesday 4th April, 8pm.

The Rally Forum will be compered by motorsport expert and Sky Sports presenter, Tony Jardine. The Forum provides an unrivalled opportunity for you to meet and greet the greatest Rally superstars and bosses including:

Andreas Mikkelsen - Reigning IRC Champion and Skoda UK driver
Kris Meeke – Dungannon man and 2009 IRC Champion
Craig Breen – 2011 WRC Academy Champion
Gerard Quinn – Ford Europe Motorsport Director
Malcolm Wilson – Head of M-Sport, Ford World Rally Team
Maurice Hamilton – Motorsport writer and broadcaster
Jimmy McRae – Legendary record breaking seven time Circuit of Ireland champion

Bobby Willis, Event Director of the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally, said ahead of the event:

“The Rally Forum will be taking place in the Armagh City Hotel just days before the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally kicks off.

“Armagh is once again the host city of the Rally, which takes place during the Easter Weekend 6/7 April. The Service Park will be located in the Armagh City Hotel, the Armagh Rugby Club and the Armagh Demesne, for the duration of the event making the hotel, the perfect location for our spectators and fans to put their questions to some of the biggest names in global motorsport.

“The 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally is the only UK or Ireland event to be included in the IRC this year and with our purpose built Titanic Super Special Stage taking place on Good Friday, the competitors and spectators are in for a real treat. As are the millions of viewers who will be tuning in to Eurosport to catch the IRC stages from the Emerald Isle.

“I’m looking forward to hearing from Skoda UK driver Andreas Mikkelsen in the lead up to the event. As reigning IRC Champion he will have to compete against some of the best Irish talent to defend his title.

“Dungannon’s Kris Meeke is a perfect example of how well our local drivers can do in these global Rally events. He took the title of IRC Champion in 2009.

“Also taking your questions at the Forum will be Gerard Quinn, Malcolm Wilson, Jimmy McRae, Craig Breen and Maurice Hamilton. I would like to thank them all in advance, and of course our celebrity compere Tony Jardine, for getting involved and showing their support for the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally.”

The Rally Forum 4th April, 8pm is taking place in support of the McRae Vision Charity which was set up following the tragic death of 1991 Circuit Champion Colin McRae.

Admission to the Rally Forum is £5 and can be paid at the door. More information can be found at www.ArmaghCityHotel.com or by contacting +44 (0)28 3751 8888

The Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) will be selling tickets through the Belfast Welcome Centre for Titanic Super Special Stage priced at £12.50 standing, reserved seating £25.00 and VIP tickets £72. Family passes are also available priced £90. Tickets can be purchased online at www.circuitofireland.net or by calling 028 90 246609.

For further information go to www.circuitofireland.net or Facebook Circuit of Ireland Rally.

Who’s who at the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally Forum?

Tony Jardine
Tony has been named as the celebrity compere at the Rally Forum. Tony started his rally career in the Middle East in 1975 before moving in to the Formula One world where his colleagues included Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna. Other previous work includes full time pit lane reporter for the BBC and ITV when the F1 coverage switched. Tony is currently working as a Sky Sports presenter.

Gerard Quinn
Ford Europe Motorsport Director. A self-confessed 'petrol head', Quinn first became involved in motorsport through the Cork Motor Club in his home town and keeps an active interest in rallying in Ireland.

Malcolm Wilson
Head of M-Sport, Ford World Rally Team. Malcolm Wilson has more than 20 years' experience of rallying at World Championship level. As a driver he won two British national titles in the late 1970s and achieved a long-held ambition by winning the British international crown in 1994, all at the wheel of Ford Escorts.

Maurice Hamilton
Maurice Hamilton was the Observer's motor racing correspondent between 1990-2010. A published author, Hamilton currently writes F1 columns for publications all over the world and can be heard on BBC Radio Five Live as their F1 summariser.

Kris Meeke
Professional Rally driver born in Dungannon, Northern Ireland. In his early career, Meeke was taken under the wing of the late Colin McRae and contested the British Junior Championship in a Ford Puma. Kris was named Champion of the 2009 IRC in his Peugeot UK backed 207 S2000.

Andreas Mikkelsen
Norwegian born Andreas is the reigning IRC Champion and holds the record for the youngest driver to win a British national rally. Andreas signed to drive for Škoda UK Motorsport ahead of his first full attempt at the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2011. In addition to becoming IRC champion, Andreas also won the Italian Gravel Championship (Trofeo Rally Terra) after winning the Rally Adriatico, Rally San Marino and the Azzano Rally in a ŠKODA Rally Team Italia Fabia S2000. In 2012, Andreas will attempt to defend his Intercontinental Rally Challenge title in a ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia S2000, co-driven by Ola Fløene.

Craig Breen
The 22-year-old Waterford driver is the current World Rally Championship Academy champion, winning his first event at the 2011 Rallye Deutschland and sealing the championship with a win at Wales Rally GB. Craig will be taking part in this year’s Circuit of Ireland.

Jimmy McRae
Needs no introduction to Rally fans – the Scot has won the Circuit of Ireland a record seven times. He was also highly successful in the British Rally Championship, winning the title five times in 1981, 1982, 1984, 1987 and 1988. He remains one of the most popular faces in world rallying.

 

[KeithFRP]

Entry List is here!

http://magazine.utvdrive.co.uk/news...cuit-of-ireland-rally-entry-list-released.htm

Anybody know why Eugene is entered in the Corolla rather than the Mini?? Funding reasons just?

 

[Graham]

Maybe Meeke will be a late entry in a Mini?

 

[KeithFRP]

Maybe Meeke will be a late entry in a Mini?

would make the weekend if that was the reason!!

 

[Graham]

it would surely lol

 

[Graham]

Media pass just been granted so will most certainly be getting about a lot of the event now

 

[Graham]

107 Million Watched IRC series in 2011
Welcome news for sponsors of the Circuit of Ireland

An incredible 107 million different people watched television coverage of the all-action Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) in 2011, an increase of 35 per cent over the amount recorded for the previous year.

This is welcome news for the supporting councils, tourism bodies and sponsors ahead of this year’s Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally which forms the third round of the IRC series this Easter weekend.

The Rally which begins with a family orientated Super Special Stage at Titanic Quarter with gates opening at 2pm on Good Friday 6 April will be broadcast on Eurosport with picture postcards images of Belfast, Armagh and Lisburn beamed into the millions of homes worldwide.

The impressive figure, published by the independent German sports research consultancy IFM Sports Group, is further proof of the rising popularity of the IRC, an international motorsport competition backed by Eurosport Events, the sports broadcaster’s wholly-owned subsidiary.

Bobby Willis, Circuit of Ireland Event Director said: “107 million people can’t be wrong! What we have planned this Easter weekend will be unmissable rallying action.

“The emphasis is on family fun starting at the Titanic Quarter Super Special Stage with stunt motorcycles, classic rally cars, sword swallowers, jugglers and magicians.

A Celebrity Challenge will see former Ulster rugby caption Simon Best, GAA star Oisin McConville, Irish heavyweight boxer Martin Rogan and UTV Sports Reporter Ruth Gorman take the wheel as they battle the clock on the Titanic Super Special Stage.

“At 5pm over 100 competitors will descend upon Titanic Quarter to show them how it’s done and to let the real challenge begin with action continuing until 7.30pm.”

Antonello Lodoletti, the IRC’s Commercial Director said: “We are delighted with this figure because it’s further proof of the IRC’s appeal around the world but also another demonstration of how beneficial the IRC is to car manufacturers and other commercial partners.

“They are using the IRC as a platform for their marketing and promotional activities so it’s very satisfying to discover the value and worth of the television coverage. Furthermore the IRC consistently produces some of the most thrilling action on television so it’s fantastic to learn that so many people are watching it unfold.”

Tickets are currently on sale from as little as £12.50 from the Belfast Welcome Centre or online at www.circuitofireland.net

 

[106lad]

Media pass just been granted so will most certainly be getting about a lot of the event now

In the Sweeper 00 MX-5?

 

[Graham]

Most certainly not lol

The astra bus will be a lot better on the stages than the MX...

 

[Nazor]

I may have to go and video this

 

[cormac81]

Anybody know who is stocking the programmes?