2020 Wastewater Solutions Circuit of Ireland International Rally Cancelled
Posted: June 25, 2020 12:57 PM
The Ulster Automobile Club, organisers of the event, which is a round of the FIA ERT Celtic Trophy and Irish Tarmac Rally Championships, had secured a date in November to run the rally but in the interests of public health and safety have, with regret, decided to cancel the rally due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Planning has already started for Easter 2021, when, pandemic permitting, we will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the event we now fondly call the 'Circuit'.
Wastewater Solutions Circuit of Ireland International Rally Postponed
Posted: March 13, 2020 1:22 PM
The Ulster Automobile Club, organisers of the event, which is a round of the FIA ERT Celtic Trophy and Irish Tarmac Rally Championships have, with regret, decided to postpone the rally due to the global outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Graeme Stewart, Event Director commented:
"The team have been monitoring this situation on an daily basis and have decided; in line with guidelines issued by Motorsport UK, the Government and the Public Health Agency, it is in the best interests of public health to act now in order to reduce the spread of the virus and postpone the event".
We have received extremely positive support from all relevant bodies involved with the rally for this highly responsible decision and we are actively pursuing an alternative date later in 2020.
The UAC would like to sincerely thank all our volunteers, business partners, stakeholders, competitors, residents and followers, many of whom have sacrificed so much and been so supportive in re-awakening the 'Giant Spirit' of this legendary event, for their efforts.
On Line Entry
Posted: February 27, 2020 4:09 AM
"THE GIANT IS STIRRING" - THE CIRCUIT OF IRELAND RALLY GETS READY FOR EASTER
Posted: February 8, 2020 1:19 PM
The Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council and guests joined rally competitors in the idyllic setting of Antrim Castle Gardens to launch the Wastewater Solutions Circuit of Ireland International Rally today.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council are delighted to be supporting the return of one of the most evocative titles in Irish Motorsport the 'Circuit of Ireland International Rally' colloquially referred to as the 'Circuit' to their Borough area and the inclusion of the event as a round of the FIA Celtic Rally Trophy just lifts the whole package to a new level.
Alderman John Smyth, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey commented,
“We are delighted that this prestigious sporting event is returning to our Borough once again. Major events such as this make a huge contribution towards raising the profile of Antrim and Newtownabbey as a tourist destination throughout Northern Ireland, Ireland and on the international stage. We have so many beautiful places of interest to visit throughout the Borough which visitors can find out about on our new tourism micro site, www.visitantrimandnewtownabbey.com. Last year this event generated almost £0.5 million of economic benefit and we hope to see this increasing in 2020. I hope everyone is gearing up for this action-packed weekend.”
The event sponsor, Wastewater Solutions, are elated that the 'Circuit' is back and organisers have introduced an International element to the rally which will take place over the Easter weekend on 10th and 11th April 2020.
“As the title sponsor, I am thrilled that the Ulster Automobile Club (UAC) have 'awakened the Giant' and re-introduced the title - Circuit of Ireland International Rally. It's long history as an iconic attraction for motorsports fans will be complimented by the spectacular stages that reflect the scenic beauty of Northern Ireland. The roar of engines, squealing tyres and handbrake turns are all part of the excitement which the rally brings. As a competitor I recognise the hard work by all of those involved and would like to thank them for putting together a fantastic event which helps to promote and raise awareness of the quality of motorsport in Northern Ireland.”
Event Director, Graeme Stewart, commented.
"The event is the third round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and a counting round of the FIA Celtic Cup a round of the European Rally Trophy. The UAC Easter Stages National Rally will run in tandem with the 'Circuit' over the two days. We are also providing a one day Interclub rally on Easter Saturday, so we are looking forward to a 'giant' entry giving lots of opportunities for competitors and spectators to enjoy the weekend over classic County Antrim stages.
We have chosen stages which will allow the best drivers from across Europe to 'mix it' with our home grown talent, of which there is no shortage. The event has been increased to 18 stages resulting in even more competitive mileage over the two days. We are thrilled to be returning to the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for a third year and truly appreciate both the enthusiasm and the substantial support of the Council necessary to promote an event of this magnitude. The Chimney Corner Hotel once again acts as Rally Headquarters providing all the facilities competitors and spectators need.
We would be keen for spectators to join us for the non-competitive parts of the event such as the Finish in the award-winning Antrim Castle Gardens on Easter Saturday and Dundrod Motorsports Centre which hosts the centralised service area.”
Friday sees competitors starting from Dundrod Motorsport Centre (the pits for the Ulster Grand Prix) at 10 a.m. A loop of 3 stages in the Glenavy, Moira and Dromore areas brings the crews back to service in Dundrod around 1 p.m. Two more trips around these stages completes the 80 miles for day 1, finishing in Dundrod around 7:00 p.m.
Saturday kicks off at 8 a.m. from Dundrod to tackle 3 stages in the Antrim, Mallusk and Crumlin areas returning to service at 10 a.m. before repeating the loop twice more and finishing after 60 competitive miles in Antrim Castle Gardens around 2:30 p.m.
Stena have been assisting Rally competitors with reduced fares on the Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry crossing for nearly forty years. Any competitor wishing to avail of the reduced fares on this route for the event should contact the Entries Secretary.
Event / Club Website
Posted: February 8, 2020 1:17 PM
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