2000 Dunlop National Rally Championship

Posted: January 19, 2000 11:57 AM

Irish Dunlop has, for many years, been one of the best supporters of motorsport in Ireland. In recent years the company has sponsored the Phoenix Park Races, the National Hill Climb Championship, and the Dunlop Sexton Trophy.

The Dunlop National Rally Championship sees a return to rallying by Dunlop after an absence of some five years. Previously the company supported the Tarmac Championship.

Dunlop's sponsorship of the National Championship has undoubtedly been influenced by the new look Championship format announced by the Rallies Committee of Motorsport Ireland during December last.

The new format, which will be operational this season, sees the Championship being slimmed down from an unyielding 14 rounds to 10 rounds. A competitors best 8 rounds from the 10 will count. Each rally will start 150 cars.

Speaking of the sponsorship Mr. Richard Warbrick, Commercial Manager of Irish Dunlop, said that the company was delighted to be involved with rallying once again. "The sport is booming with more licenses than ever before. Motorsport Ireland are determined to promote the sport and I believe working together we can enhance the sport and strengthen it even further".

Mr. Noel Clarke, Chairman of the Rallies Committee of Motorsport Ireland said that he believed that the changes in this years National Championship would make for a highly competitive event. He welcomed the Dunlop sponsorship and acknowledged the company's commitment to Irish motorsport not alone through the new sponsorship but also over many years.

2000 Dunlop National Rally Championship Dates

Rd 1 - March 12 - Mayo Stages Rally 
	- Mayo & District MC 

Rd 2 - March 26 - Stages Rally Galway 
	- Galway MC

Rd 3 - April 9 - Circuit of Kerry 
	- Kerry MC

Rd 4 - May 7 - Carlow Stages Rally 
	- Carlow MC

Rd 5 - May 28 - Cavan Stages Rally 
	- Co. Cavan MC

Rd 6 - June 4 - Circuit of Munster 
	- Limerick MC

Rd 7 - July 9 - Connacht Stages Rally 
	- Connacht MC

Rd 8 - August 13 - Stonethrowers Rally 
	- Tipperary LC & MCC

Rd 9 - September 3 - Clare Stages Rally 
	- Clare MC

Rd 10 - October 29 - Fastnet Stages Rally 
	- Skibbereen & District CC