2023 Tarmac Rally Championship

Junior ITRC receives support from Paul Browne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering

Posted: January 30, 2023 8:51 AM

The Irish Tarmac Rally Championship is pleased to reveal its Junior category will be supported by Paul Browne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering in 2023.

The sponsorship comes ahead of Junior ITRC’s opening round, this weekend’s Galway International Rally.

A healthy entry of 11 Class 16 rally cars is headed for the testing stages, just east of Galway City.

Paul Browne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering was founded in 1995. Based in Glanmire, the business services the Cork region focusing on housing developments and different public projects.
Company director, Paul Browne has a long relationship with rallying in Ireland and is chairman of the Munster Car Club. He has also been the Clerk of the Course for the Cork 20 International and Moonraker Forest Rally.
Paul’s two sons, Kyle and Aaron, will compete in Junior and Modified categories respectively this year. Kyle is a graduate of Irish Forestry’s successful Junior 1000 series.

The Junior Irish Tarmac Rally Championship runs alongside ITRC’s International and Modified Championships, featuring world-famous rallies like the Killarney Rally of the Lakes, Donegal International Rally, and Cork 20 International Rally.

Paul Browne, Paul Browne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering:
“It is great to be involved in supporting the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship this year. I have a close connection with rallying in Ireland and I understand the importance of championships for younger crews like Junior ITRC.
“I have known the ITRC organisers for a long time now and I am looking forward to working with them this year.”

Colman Hegarty, TROA chairman:
“We are delighted to welcome Paul Browne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering as category sponsors of the ITRC.
“The Cork-based company has a long association with rallying as administrators, supporters, and competitors.
“As chairman, I would like to thank Paul and Margaret for their valid support. We all look forward to working with Paul Browne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering for the 2023 season.”

Irish Tarmac Championship goes live in 2023 with HM Productions

Posted: January 30, 2023 8:44 AM

The Irish Tarmac Rally Championship will have live coverage on each of its seven rounds in 2023. The live-stream coverage provided by Hylands Media Productions will be available for free on Facebook and YouTube, starting on next weekend’s Galway International Rally. Streaming has revolutionised the World Rally Championship in recent years and opens up endless opportunities for promoting, advancing and furthering the sport.

The media package will showcase international, modified, historic, and junior categories which are supported by Samdec Security, McEvoy Motorsport, Synergy Motorsport Engineering, and Paul Browne Plant Hire along with championship associate sponsors Michelin, Pirelli, and Sherwood Engines.

Another eagerly anticipated season of Irish rallying starts in Galway with one of the best entries witnessed on our shores. The strength in depth of the crews and cars set to tackle the notoriously challenging west of Ireland event shows the appeal of Irish Tarmac’s best-in-the-world stages.

The HM Productions team will savour the chance to put the spotlight on each ITRC round with live on-stage action backed up by analysis, interviews, and insightful commentary from its expert panel of hosts.

Xavier McCartan (Rally Radio and Goodwood Festival of Speed) and Michael Patterson (Rally News) seamlessly tie the production together with the latest live times and results combined with news, statistics and much more.

Toni Kelly (RPM and Rally Radio) will report from the service area interviewing crews between each loop of stages. An experienced competitor herself, Toni has extensive knowledge of the sport which is reflected in her forward and direct interview style, asking the competitors the questions we want to hear the answers to.

Working hard behind the scenes is producer Andrew Bushe (RPM and North West 200). An ITRC class winner and regular historic rally competitor, Andrew is regarded as one of the sport’s sources of historical knowledge with limitless facts, statistics, and stories. Action snippets and rally highlights will also be published online by HM Productions in a bid to ensure rally fans across the world have inside access to Ireland's premier rally series.

Colman Hegarty, TROA chairman:
“I am delighted to welcome HM Productions as live steam providers for the 2023 championship.
“Chris and his crew are very experienced in promoting motorsport throughout these islands.
“We look forward to working with HM Productions, and all our organising clubs to promote the ITRC and its loyal competitors in all our categories throughout 2023.”

Christopher Hylands, HM Productions director and producer:
“It is an exciting time for Irish rallying, we look forward to the opportunity to work with TROA to help bring the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship forward for 2023 with a full live-streaming package.
“We worked hard in 2021 and 2022 to prove the live streaming concept and I think now it has more than proved its worth.
“For us, it has been extremely beneficial and has taken the experience of working with some great events such as the West Cork Rally, Circuit of Ireland, Corbeau Seats Rally Tendring and Clacton, and the Ulster Rally to help adjust and fine-tune the ever-evolving live streaming concept.
“For 2023 we have a full championship-ready package to roll out over multiple platforms making the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship one of the most accessible and free-to-view rally championships in the world.
“The entire production is a massive team effort and I truly feel we have put together the best team of talented professionals.”

Samdec secures sponsorship of Irish Tarmac's International Championship

Posted: January 30, 2023 8:20 AM

The Irish Tarmac Rally Championship’s international category will be sponsored in 2023 by leading security service provider Samdec Security Ltd.

Samdec Security joins a healthy list of Irish Tarmac partners, including Synergy Motorsport Engineering, Sherwood Engines, McEvoy Motorsport, and fuel provider Euro M-Sport. The Samdec International Irish Tarmac Rally Championship starts on February’s Galway International Rally with a top-class entry received to-date.

Samdec’s sponsorship focuses on the ITRC’s international section which enjoyed incredible success in 2022. The stage is set for a similarly thrilling season across seven rounds from Galway to August’s Ulster Rally.

Samdec Security has a long history of providing security services to motorsport events including Rally Ireland in 2009. The company has also provided guarding and access control for Circuit of Ireland, Down, and Ulster rallies as well as several motorbike road races. In 2007, Samdec offered protection services to Sebastien Loeb, Daniel Elena, and the Citroen World Rally Team during their visits to Donegal and Cork 20 International Rallies.

Recently amalgamating with Sentinal Risk Management Ireland, the group employs over 150 people. Samdec’s founder Martin Cheshire has been a rally enthusiast from a young age, competing in both the driver’s and co-driver’s seat. His time in competition featured a stint with the Northern Ireland Forest Champion Stephen Herron.

Samdec’s support will strengthen the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship’s presence across Ireland with plans for 2023 showing great promise.

The Tarmac Rally Organisers Association greatly appreciates the support ITRC has received ahead of the 2023 season.

Martin Cheshire, Samdec Security Ltd. Director:
“We at Samdec Security are delighted to be on board as sponsors of the International Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. I look forward to working with all involved and will hopefully see you all out on the stages.”

Terry McElvanney, Samdec Security Ltd. Director:
“Since our amalgamation with Samdec the Sentinal group of companies has gone from strength to strength. I am delighted that we have the chance to partner with the ITRC as sponsors of the International section and am looking to the season ahead.”

Paddy Flanagan, ITRC Championship Manager:
“It has been challenging over the last few years to secure sponsorship for the ITRC. You can imagine my delight when the directors of Samdec Security Ltd approached me to enquire if there would be any opportunity to come on board as a sponsor for the 2023 season. “It is especially pleasing that I know the people involved and have worked with them for the last eight years.”

Colman Hegarty, TROA Chairman:
“We are delighted to welcome Samdec as sponsors of ITRC’s international category. “Samdec is no stranger to our sport having worked on Northern Irish events in recent years. “We are looking forward to working with Martin and Terry this year and are grateful for their valued support.”

McEvoy Motorsport sponsor Irish Tarmac's 2023 Modified Championship

Posted: January 6, 2023 11:05 AM

Rally merchandise suppliers, McEvoy Motorsport, will sponsor the Modified Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in 2023.

The deal further shows the current interest in Ireland’s leading rally championship and will strengthen its presence across the Emerald Isle.

McEvoy Motorsport is a family business that has grown from its inception 16 years ago. The merchandise manufacturer has over 20 machines focusing on Irish rallying with designs covering several rounds of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.

The Tarmac Rally Organisers Association is grateful for McEvoy Motorsport’s interest and support for its modified category. The Modified ITRC battles were at their spectacular best in 2022 with an extremely high level of competition across all classes.

The 2022 Modified Irish Tarmac Rally Championship went down to the wire on a gruelling Ulster Rally. Simon Reid and John Murphy survived inclement conditions to seal an unforgettable championship success.

Colman Hegarty, TROA chairman:
“Everyone involved with the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship is delighted to welcome Gary and Sharon McEvoy as sponsors of ITRC’s modified category in 2023. We look forward to working with Gary and Sharon over the season ahead. “As a championship, it is fantastic to have a company like McEvoy Motorsport as partners because they really understand our sport and our championship. “Hopefully we will have a long and fruitful partnership.”

Gary and Sharon McEvoy, McEvoy Motorsport:
“We initially started our merchandise business to help fund our love for rallying, helping pay for fuel and tyres.
“The business expanded and five years later we bought our own embroidery machine. It gave us more flexibility to design for clubs and competitors.
“Our Irish Rally Merchandise collection includes Galway, West Cork, Killarney, Donegal, and Cork 20 rallies - plus the ever-popular Mk2 Magic range.
“It is great to play a part in raising the profile of our sport and we are proud to be able to sponsor a series like the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
“We look forward to seeing you all with our mobile merchandise units across most events in Ireland this year.”

Sherwood Engines joins Irish Tarmac as 2023 associate sponsors

Posted: December 26, 2022 12:12 PM

The Tarmac Rally Organisers Association is proud to reveal a new associate sponsor for the 2023 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship - Sherwood Engines Ltd.
The Cambridgeshire-based company will be familiar to many as a leading race and rally engine developer.
Between them, Alan and Paul Sherwood have over 85 years of experience building and developing Ford-based motorsport powertrains.
Sherwood Engines joins Michelin, Pirelli, and McEvoy Motorsport as associate sponsors for the 2023 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship which starts on 3 December’s Killarney Historic Rally.
Killarney marked the opening round of the Synergy Motorsport Engineering Historic Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. Championship organisers are excited for another exceptional year of historic rallying after 2022’s blockbuster season.
Alan Sherwood built his first BD engine in 1971 and his knowledge is coupled with Paul Sherwood’s extensive experience running race teams in the USA. This partnership delivers quality products and services throughout a range of Sherwood Engines.

Alan and Paul Sherwood, Sherwood Engines:
“We have many customers who compete in the Irish Tarmac Championship and we felt that sponsoring the championship would bring us closer to our customers, whilst also allowing the Sherwood name to grow even further.
“We were delighted to hear that we would be an associate sponsor for 2023 and we are looking forward to working closely together to support the championship.
“It is nice to feel like we are giving something back to the sport and we are very proud to be an associate sponsor.
“We would like to take this opportunity to wish all competitors a safe and enjoyable season and we look forward to seeing you at the first round, the Killarney Historic Rally, along with the other rallies on the calendar throughout 2023.”

Colman Hegarty, TROA chairman:
“Everybody involved in the championship is delighted to have Sherwood Engines as associate sponsors for the 2023 championship.
“It is brilliant from our side to be working with Sherwood Engines because these people know and understand our sport.
“We hope that this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between both parties. We look forward to working with Sherwood Engines and promoting their products.
“Thanks to Alan, Paul, and Louise for their support and I look forward to catching up on the championship events throughout 2023.”

Euro M-Sport to provide control fuel for 2023 ITRC

Posted: December 26, 2022 12:10 PM

County Tyrone based motorsport supplier, Euro M-Sport, will provide control fuel to international competitors of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The deal has been envisioned to reduce fuel costs for ITRC’s registered competitors and further levelling the playing field across leading crews.
Euro M-Sport will supply Panta racing fuel, utilising a breadth of experience that spans racing teams and prestigious championships like the British Superbike Championship.
Not only will this deal reduce competitors’ running costs but it also will improve efficiencies and safety at service and refuel zones. Euro M-Sport will look after the delivery of Panta racing fuel to each event’s refuel zone.
Euro M-Sport is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest racing fuel, tyres, and motorsport parts suppliers.

Colman Hegarty, TROA chairman:
“The ITRC’s board of directors have been looking at the possibility of a single controlled fuel for some time.
“In the early part of 2022, a decision was taken to enter into a tender process with fuel suppliers. Part of that tender stipulated that the selected fuel supplier would offer registered international competitors fuel at a discounted rate.
“After careful consideration, the decision was taken to award the contract to Euro M-Sport, agents for Panta racing fuels.
“We see this as a major step forward for our championship as all registered international competitors will be using a single fuel and in a safe and controlled manner.
“The Irish Tarmac Rally Championship looks forward to the 2023 season, working with Mick McCullagh and his team at Euro M-Sport to bring quality fuels in a cost-effective and safe manner to our registered competitors in the international category.”

Mick McCullagh, Euro M-Sport:
“As both a business and long-time follower of the Irish Tarmac Championship, Euro M-Sport is extremely proud to become the control fuel supplier for the championship.
“It is a perfect fit for our current race fuel operations across Europe, providing the competitors with a new level of service.
“We have a wealth of experience in servicing controlled fuel championships, events and series and are providers of racing fuels to numerous automotive manufacturer race programs and works racing teams.
“As well as providing race fuel, we are the analytical partners of prestigious events such as the North West 200 Road Races and the British Superbike Championship, ensuring there is a level playing field for every team and competitor racing and that race results are not influenced by any potential unfair advantage brought about through the illicit use of fuels.”

Synergy Engineering partners with 2023 Historic Irish Tarmac Rally Championship

Posted: December 26, 2022 12:09 PM

County Donegal rally car preparation company, Synergy Motorsport Engineering, has joined the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship as associate sponsors for 2023's Historic Championship.
The eight-round all-asphalt series for historic rally cars begins with the ever-popular Killarney Historic Rally on 3rd December 2022.
The announcement comes as ITRC organisers prepare to build on the successes of its 2022 championship. World-leading multi-day asphalt events hosted an abundance of quality cars, star names, and brilliant storylines across Ireland in 2022.
The Historic Championship went right to 2022's final round on the Ulster Rally. With the 2023 edition expected to be just as competitive, it is great to have a company like Synergy Motorsport Engineering support the series.

Rodney Stewart, Synergy Motorsport Engineering:
"There is a real buzz for historic rallying in Ireland at the moment and I jumped at the chance to sponsor the ITRC's historic category for 2023.
"Synergy Motorsport Engineering has been building cars for 22 years and recently took over a motorsport parts business to complement the building of the cars.
"I have recently decided to steer the business towards historic cars so this opportunity popped up at the perfect time.
"I am looking forward to the year ahead and hopefully we can grow the championship together, attracting as many new people as possible."

Colman Hegarty, TROA chairman:
"I would like to thank Synergy Motorsport Engineering for their sponsorship of the 2023 Historic Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
"I and all at TROA are looking forward to working with Rodney Stewart and his team to promote his rally car preparation business.
"It is really encouraging for us to have a progressive company like Synergy Motorsport Engineering, who know and understand our sport, as category sponsors."

On Line Registration Open

Posted: December 26, 2022 12:08 PM

On Line Entry System by RallyScore

Championship Rounds

Posted: December 26, 2022 11:50 AM

Killarney Historic Rally - DATE CHANGE - (Sat) 3 Dec 22 (Historic Championship)

1 Galway International Rally - 4-5 Feb 23
2 West Cork Rally - 18-19 Mar 23
3 Circuit of Ireland - 7-8 Apr 22
4 Killarney International Rally of the Lakes - 29-30 Apr 23
5 Donegal International Rally - 16-18 Jun 23
6 Munster Cork 20 International Rally - 4-6 Aug 23
7 Ulster Rally - 18-19 Aug 23

Tarmac Championship Official Site