Circuit of Ireland - UAC Easter Stages Rally 2022

[Cooper]

The 'Circuit' is Back!
Media Release No. 1 - 07.03.2022

The UAC Easter Stages Ltd is thrilled to announce that following a two-year break, due to the global pandemic, the Circuit of Ireland International Rally is set to return on Easter weekend, Friday 15th and Saturday 16th April 2022.

We are also delighted to announce that Wastewater Solutions are continuing to support the event as title sponsors. Wastewater Solutions Managing Director, Philip Johnston, commented " I am extremely pleased to see the Circuit back and look forward to working with the team to provide another Easter Classic; who knows I might even compete this time!!"

Clerk of the Course, Nigel Hughes, stated " We are very grateful to Philip for his continued support. We have been working hard during our enforced respite to come up with a plan for the rally that will appeal to competitors, spectators and fans. We are also very conscious that Covid remains as a threat to our population and hopefully the route for 2022 reflects our thinking whilst endeavouring to keep the public safe".

The Wastewater Solutions Circuit of Ireland International Rally will be the First round of the FIA Celtic Rally Trophy and the third round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. The action focuses on the North West corner of Northern Ireland and the 12 stages will provide competitors with fast flowing and technical challenges on both days.

Event Headquarters in Carey Cleaning Machines will be beside the service area in the Livestock Market in Ballymena helping to reduce the road mileage for competitors and facilitating easy access for spectators.

Entries will open at 8:00 p.m. on 7th March 2022 via rallyscore at www.rallyscore.net and regulations will be available from the event website www.circuitofireland.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you out there and welcome the 'Circuit' back in style!

 

[Captain Starlet]

Fantastic news. When do they usually release stage information, I checked the link but couldn't find anything?

 

[Cooper]

Last time I was at it I had to buy a programme to get the stage maps. Not sure what the score is this year.

 

[AidanMcG]

I've always used this site for the stage maps - Stage Maps, Itineraries, Elevation Charts | Rally-Maps.com

 

[Captain Starlet]

Thanks very much, I will keep an eye out closer to the time.

 

[Michael44]

Fantastic news. When do they usually release stage information, I checked the link but couldn't find anything?

If you have a bit of time you can work out the stages from the road closing order.

https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/circuit-of-ireland-rally-made-order-2022-no119.pdf

 

[davecoupe]

Only 2 stages being used for an entire 2 day international rally

The Circuit of Larne.

 

[Cooper]

Wastewater Solutions Circuit of Ireland International Rally - Media Information

Friday April 15th Start Ballymena Mart - 09:00
SS1/3/5 Orra Lodge FCD 09:35 /13:38/17:41
SS2/4/6 Lisles Hill FCD 10:50/14:53/18:56
Finish Ballymena Mart - 20:40

Saturday April 16th Start Ballymena Mart - 08:00
SS7/9/11 Cairncastle FCD 08:51/12:50/16:49
SS8/10 Glendun FCD 10:11/14:10
Finish Ballymena Mart - 17:30

 

[Cooper]

Entries for the 2022 Wastewater Solutions Circuit of Ireland International Rally have now closed and we are delighted to announce that the cream of the crop have decided to take the 'Fast & Furious' challenge at Easter.

A full house of 91 entries, marking the 91st running of the oldest Rally in Ireland will tackle the 11 superlative stages, covering over 120 stage miles during Good Friday and Easter Saturday. The service area in Ballymena will see competitors and spectators receive a very warm and traditional welcome from the local community. The support from people across the North East of the Province has been superb and we thank them all for their generosity and help to make this event happen said Nigel Hughes the Clerk of the Course.
It is clear from the top 10 entries that there will be seriously 'fast and furious' driving skills exhibited on the technically demanding stages to thrill those who come to enjoy this fantastic spectacle on some of the classic stages of the 'Circuit'. Jonnie Greer the current leader of the McGrady Insurance ANICC Stage Rally Championship believes that this event will challenge even the best.

William Creighton, current Motorsport UK Junior British Rally Champion and one of the UAC Future Champions will be entertaining the crowds so keep up to 'speed' with our live streaming via youtube and facebook.

Top 10 entries:
1. Alastair Fisher & Gordon Noble Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
2. Josh Moffett & Andy Hayes Hyundai i20 R5
3. Callum Devine & Shane Byrne Ford Fiesta R5
4. Meirion Evans & Jonathan Jackson Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
5. Cathan McCourt & Liam Moynihan Skoda Fabia R5
6. Derek McGarrity & Graham Henderson Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
7. Jonathan Greer & Darragh Mullen Citroen C3 Rally 2
8. Desi Henry & Paddy Robinson Ford Fiesta MK 2
9. Brendan Cumiskey & Martin Connolly Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
10. Declan Boyle & James O'Reilly Volkswagen Polo GTi R5

 

[DC.]

Josh Moffett is the man on form and the one to beat. I expect Evans and Devine to run him close.

 

[davecoupe]

Jonny greer will be up there too.

Still cannot get over that only 2 stages are being used for an “international” 2 day rally.

 

[sc_evo]

Jonny greer will be up there too.

Still cannot get over that only 2 stages are being used for an “international” 2 day rally.

Total dog poop.

 

[FAKER]

11 stages all in over two days. 2 stages run 3 times on the Friday = 6 stages, the 5 stages run in the opposite direction on the Saturday. By the looks of the maps it’s the old Glens of Antrim ‘Glendun’ and it looks like the cars are going under the viaduct.. be picturesque if nothing else.. Supposedly the event is basically a National Round but trademark and copyright means the Circuit of Ireland name needs to be kept alive for promotion purposes (should the WRC ever wish to return). Ulster uses the same format under copyright and trademark I believe... hence Ulster being the loop of Banbridge.

 

[KevM]

Not so much 'Circuit of Ireland', but more 'Parallel to Glenariff'

 

[davecoupe]

11 stages all in over two days. 2 stages run 3 times on the Friday = 6 stages, the 5 stages run in the opposite direction on the Saturday. By the looks of the maps it’s the old Glens of Antrim ‘Glendun’ and it looks like the cars are going under the viaduct.. be picturesque if nothing else.. Supposedly the event is basically a National Round but trademark and copyright means the Circuit of Ireland name needs to be kept alive for promotion purposes (should the WRC ever wish to return). Ulster uses the same format under copyright and trademark I believe... hence Ulster being the loop of Banbridge.

Most national level events are single day 2x3 or 3x3 format like Birr 2 weekends ago was 2 stages ran 3 times. That’s fine for a national standard rally with points for National championships.

Gravel crews will be important on Saturday morning. Anyone I’ve spoken to that intend to be running at the pointy end are pretty concerned that there will be a load of ***** pulled out in tbe braking areas and on corner entry from the Friday running.

It gives it to be dry on Friday which may be a good thing…..but if it rains overnight judging braking distances and turn in grip on wet tarmac that escorts have laid down rubber on for 3 passes the previous day won’t be easy.

 

[swansty]

11 stages all in over two days. 2 stages run 3 times on the Friday = 6 stages, the 5 stages run in the opposite direction on the Saturday. By the looks of the maps it’s the old Glens of Antrim ‘Glendun’ and it looks like the cars are going under the viaduct.. be picturesque if nothing else.. Supposedly the event is basically a National Round but trademark and copyright means the Circuit of Ireland name needs to be kept alive for promotion purposes (should the WRC ever wish to return). Ulster uses the same format under copyright and trademark I believe... hence Ulster being the loop of Banbridge.

Where do people come up with nonsense about copyright and trademark? I can only speak from the Ulster’s point of view but never have we considered trademark nor copyright. I have no idea what is even being implied by that statement.

Our main reasons for a one day event are that it’s harder to get marshals on a Friday and it was a slightly cheaper event to run after a few financially bruising years. Competitors actually loved the format as it was less nights away for them but still almost the same stage miles as a 2 day rally.

 

[FAKER]

Where do people come up with nonsense about copyright and trademark? I can only speak from the Ulster’s point of view but never have we considered trademark nor copyright. I have no idea what is even being implied by that statement.

Our main reasons for a one day event are that it’s harder to get marshals on a Friday and it was a slightly cheaper event to run after a few financially bruising years. Competitors actually loved the format as it was less nights away for them but still almost the same stage miles as a 2 day rally.

I can confirm this is the case with COI

 

[swansty]

I can confirm this is the case with COI

That may be…. But it’s nothing to do with the Ulster. I’m still not entirely sure what “format” is being trademarked or copyrighted Championships can mandate the status of a rally such as national or international. Going international is no mean feat as everything is done to FIA standards and scrutiny rather than MUK. There is also additional cost involved.

It will be interesting to hear competitor feedback on this years circuit when it runs. The proposal on paper has been met with a fair degree of scepticism but the actual running may prove it to work fine.

 

[DC.]

I suppose that type of format is worth a try. If it works, great. If not, revert to the old format next year.

 

[FAKER]

I know I’m being critical of the COI... in fact rallying in general, but could it actually become a single stage rally?.... This years format has 180 stage miles over a total of 11 stages, and over 400 road miles...

 

[Nazor]

Dad doing this event as a codriver at the young age of 76! Short recce I guess with the two stages been used. Far cry from the 5 day marathon in the 80s. (Above is him in Galway this year, 37 years after finishing the event 5 overall in another Mk2 Escort)

 

[DJMCA]

We (Father in law and myself) used to Marshall at this every year and loved it, up early, bed late etc.

The last time we did it we took nothing but abuse all day from spectators, people refusing to move from the safe zones, boys drinking all day thinking they were the lads. Just had a terrible experience and my Father in Law (in his 60s then) said he'd never do it again.

Pity, as we loved it but standing arguing with people all day just ruined it

 

[DC.]

Couple of new Polos for the Circuit.

Callum Devine has switched from his Rally2 Fiesta and Declan Boyle has finally made the jump from Fiesta WRC to Polo R5.

Devine explains mid-season switch to Polo R5 - Rally Insight

Callum Devine is the latest Irish Tarmac Rally Championship contender to roll out a Volkswagen Polo R5 on Easter’s Circuit

rallyinsight.com

Boyle to make Polo debut on Circuit of Ireland Rally - Rally Insight

Declan Boyle is set to switch from his Ford Fiesta WRC to a Volkswagen Polo R5 on Easter’s Circuit of

rallyinsight.com

 

[FM155]

Saw Devine's out earlier in the week testing all liveried up so thought that was happening but didn't know of the Boyle car too. I wonder are these the two Polo's that Gareth & Aaron McHale had bought with the intention of converting to RHD but since MI have ruled out converted cars being counted for championship points, maybe they've binned them. Pity that, would be good to see more people back in the championship.

 

[Graham]

Saw Devine's out earlier in the week testing all liveried up so thought that was happening but didn't know of the Boyle car too. I wonder are these the two Polo's that Gareth & Aaron McHale had bought with the intention of converting to RHD but since MI have ruled out converted cars being counted for championship points, maybe they've binned them. Pity that, would be good to see more people back in the championship.

DMG took delivery of one recently too, which he was due to start the COI in. Perhaps it's been sold, as it's rare for Derek to start in the car intended due to them being for sale.