2009 Tarmac Rally Championship

Championship Points after Round 7 - Ulster

Posted: March 14, 2009 4:13 PM

Tarmac Championship Official Site

Posted: March 3, 2009 12:43 PM

TROA URGE ALL TO SUPPORT PAUL GALLAGHER GALA FUND RAISING EVENING Donegal Motorclub are organising a gala fundraisng evening on 15th May to provide support for Paul Gallagher who is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained in an accident on the Safety Direct Galway International Rally.
The Tarmac Rally Organiser Association (TROA) would ask that anyone who can assist with this initiative in any way to contact Donegal Motorclub.

CHANGES TO IRISH TARMAC RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT

Posted: September 8, 2008 9:15 PM

As current Champion Eamonn Bland brings the 2008 Global Group Irish Tarmac Rally Championship to a conclusion on the Murphy Construction Cork 20 Rally later this month changes are already being set in place for the 2009 Championship. In order to maintain the current high profile of the Championship, the Tarmac Rally Organisers Association (TROA) have introduced a range of changes to the Championship format.

“In considering possible changes the TROA had to take into account the uncertain impact of the current economic downturn and the changing FIA regulations related to WRC cars making an assessment of the 2009 season very difficult to predict. The TROA fully recognise the contribution that WRC cars have made to rallying in Ireland and are keen to retain the WRC as the premier class for 2009, while at the same time encouraging competitors to consider exploring the newer Super 1600 and Super 2000 cars as a more economically viable option”, stated Championship Manager Don Wilmont.

In recent weeks registered competitors were surveyed to ascertain their views on the Championship format and a very good response was received from a wide cross section of competitors. The recurring issues highlighted in the survey related to costs, class structures, scoring and the number of counting rounds. In response to the findings of the competitors survey and also taking into account the views of the organising clubs TROA will implement the following initiatives for 2009.

Competitors will only be required to count their best 6 scores from the eight counting rounds rather than their best 7 scores as present.

The first overall driver will receive 16 points for a win. (currently 15pts) - The present scoring system of 12 points for 2nd, 10 points for 3rd, 8 for 4th etc will remain unchanged.

A system of 3,2,1 bonus points will be introduced for the first three non WRC cars in the final classification. The bonus points will be available for Group N, Super 1600 and Super 2000 cars. Bonus points will not apply where a car in any of these categories wins an event.

Very many competitors have shown their support for the classic stages of the Rally Isle of Man, however they have voiced concern in relation to the cost of competing on this event. In response to these concerns the IOM organisers are to adopt a shorter two-day format. In addition discussions are currently ongoing with the IOM Steam Packet Company on the possibility of the introduction of a sailing schedule tailored to the event schedule. It is envisaged that these and other measures will reduce competitor costs and encourage more Irish competitors to the event.

The Jim Clark International Rally will also introduce a shorter two-day format.

Class 3A for Super 2000 cars will be combined with Class 4 Group N.

It has been decided to postpone the introduction of the FIA International R1, R2, R3, R4 class structures for 2009 but this will be kept under review for 2010, in line with FIA event regulations.

Modified cars, which make up the majority of the entries in the National rallies run in conjunction with the Tarmac Championship International events, are ever popular with competitors and spectators alike. Subject to approval from Motorsport Ireland, a "Tarmac Trophy" Challenge will be introduced for modified cars entered in classes 9-14 in the National rallies run in conjunction with the six rounds on the Island of Ireland. Competitor’s best 5 scores from the six counting rounds will decide the winner. The "Tarmac Trophy" will not apply to the Isle of Man or Jim Clark rounds of the Championship.

The Historic section is an important element for the Championship. TROA is forming a sub committee of organisers and competitors with a view to raising the profile of the Irish Tarmac historic Championship. One matter under consideration will be the possibility of the popular Historic competitors running at the head of the field on selected rounds of the Championship.

In order to maintain and further enhance the current high Championship profile TROA have also agreed the appointment of a Press Officer for 2009.

Commenting on the changes, TROA Chairman Bobby Clinton said,
"Rallying is facing a difficult challenge in the current economic climate, however competitors will make their own decisions as to what cars they compete in. The Irish Tarmac Championship has always been a premier championship, and wishes to engage the highest level of competitor, both at the head of the field and in the various classes. Having taken on board the views of the competitors and the clubs we hope that these changes will go some way to offering affordable options during this time of change, while still retaining the presence of the rally winning WRC cars. In addition all eight rounds of the Championship will be looking at the format of their events with a view to keeping costs for both organising clubs and competitors to a minimum”, concluded Clinton

2009 Championship Dates

Posted: September 8, 2008 9:15 PM

1. Galway International 16/18 January
2. Circuit of Ireland International 10/12 April
3. Killarney Rally of the Lakes 1/3 May
4. Jim Clark International 22/23 May
5. Donegal International 19/21 June
6. Rally Isle of Man International 10/11 July
7. Ulster International 21/22 August
8. Cork 20 International 3/4 October