2013 Tarmac Rally Championship

KUMHO ASSISTS JENNINGS TO OUTRIGHT VICTORY IN THE 2013 IRISH TARMAC RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

Posted: October 14, 2013 11:25 AM

Second place on last weekend’s (October 4-6) Orchard Motorsport Cork 20 event was sufficient to land Garry Jennings his first Irish Tarmac Rally Championship title. Relying on Kumho tyres for his grip and Rory Kennedy for his pacenotes, Jennings overcame early concerns about the health of his Subaru Impreza’s engine to bring the car home behind Daragh O’Riordan’s Ford Fiesta WRC, and clinch the prestigious seven round series – the first Co Fermanagh resident to do so since the legendary Bertie Fisher in 1996.

Having finished runner-up in last year’s championship, Jennings was determined not to let the biggest prize in Irish rallying slip through his fingers once more. Following outright victories in the Killarney Rally of the Lakes and the Ulster event he headed the leader board by 20 points from nearest rival Donagh Kelly going into the final round, so only needed a top five finish to get the job done. However, he was determined to add another win to his name and eventually lost out by just 0.22.9 seconds.

Kumho is no stranger to assisting drivers to success in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and has supplied tyres for the Jennings Subaru both last year and this. Said the company’s European Motorsport Manager Steve Thompson: “We were gutted for Garry when he came so close to victory last year, so doubly pleased he has pulled it off this time around. Needless to say we are also delighted to add another major rally series to the long list on which Kumho tyres have outpaced those of rival manufacturers.”

Points after Final Round.

Posted: October 14, 2013 11:25 AM

Available at:

Tarmac Championship Official Site

Championship update:

Posted: May 2, 2013 12:12 PM

The Ulster Automobile Club who run and promote the Easter Stages Rally have now decided to cancel their event for this year due to the lack of a Road Closing Order. The club had hoped to run the event later in the year with the 19th of October 2013 being their preferred date. The cancellation will have the following impact on the various championships;

The Tarmac Championship will now consist of five rounds as per Article 4.4(1) in the regulations (best 4 to count).
The Modified Championship will now consist of five rounds as per Article 4.4 in the regulations (best 4 to count).
The Historic Championship will now consist of seven rounds as per Article 6.1 in the regulations (best 6 to count).

New Press & Media Officer for Irish Tarmac Rally Championship

Posted: April 23, 2013 9:02 PM

The Tarmac Rally Organisers Association (T.R.O.A) which organizes the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Kevin O’Driscoll as their Press & Media Officer. Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role having acted as press officer for other Rallies and Championships. David Gray, Chairman of T.R.O.A. commented
“this is another step forward in our efforts to improve all aspects of Ireland’s Premier Rally Championship”. Gerard Seaman T.R.O.A Manager said “we are delighted to have Kevin on board as he knows what the Press & Media require to cover our events and we feel he will be a great asset to the Championship”.

The next round is the Cartell.ie Killarney International Rally of the Lakes on 3-5 May (The Bank Holiday weekend) and the Championship is launching a new Website prior to Killarney. The site will be called www.irishtarmac.com and will cover all the latest news from the events and competitors alike and of course will have up to date points in the various Categories and Classes.

T.R.O.A Management Appointment

Posted: January 24, 2013 10:08 PM

The T.R.O.A who are responsible for organising the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship are delighted to announce the appointment of Gerard Seaman as there new manager. Gerard himself a competitor both as driver and co-driver brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. He has competed on and organised many Tarmac Rallies.

Commenting this morning from his Co. Cork base he said
“I am delighted to be given this opportunity” and went on to say that in the current financial climate things are difficult but as everybody know’s the Tarmac Rally Championship is the Premier Rally Championship in this country. I look forward to working with the organising Club’s and most importantly the Competitor’s and their teams. Galway is really shaping up to be a super event with great stages and a fantastic entry. If anybody has any queries Gerard can be contacted by phone on 087-2204650 / +353 87-2204650 or e-mail: sales@nyhanmotors.ie

“David Gray TROA Chairman commented this morning that he was delighted to welcome Gerard on board and together with all the TROA Directors wishes him well and looks forward to working with him”

Championship Rounds

Posted: January 24, 2013 10:05 PM

1. Galway International Rally - 3 Feb 13
2. Easter Stages Rally - 30 Mar 13
3. Killarney International Rally of Lakes - 3 - 5 May 13
4. Donegal International Rally - 21 - 23 Jun 13
5. Ulster Rally / Rally NI - 23 - 24 Aug 13
6. Cork 20 International Rally - 4 - 6 Oct 13

Tarmac Championship Official Site

Rally Isle of Man returns to Irish Tarmac calendar (Historics)

Posted: September 11, 2012 1:46 PM

Rally Isle of Man powered by Microgaming, will return to the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship calendar in 2013.

The unanimous decision was taken at a recent meeting of Championship promotors, the Tarmac Rally Orgnaisers Association (TROA), to invite the rally to be a round of the championship.

The event will form the penultimate round of the Historic including FIA appendix K category, sections of the championship, as part of the celebrations of Rally Isle of Man’s 50th anniversary.

“It’s great to be able to include one of the classic events to help celebrate a rally steeped in history”, says David Gray, TROA Chairman. “We have to continue to be mindful of the financial times in which we live, but the Rally Isle of Man team have been long-time TROA members and strong supporters of the championship, and we know from the strides made this year that the 2013 edition will be an event not to be missed!”

Also welcoming the news is Geoff Corkish MHK, Member of the Isle of Man Government’s Department of Economic Development with responsibility for motorsport.
“The enthusiasm and dedication of the new organising team is very impressive, so I’m delighted that it has been recognised with this move. Strong, vibrant and sustainable events continue to play a major role in attracting visitors to our wonderful island, as well as help promote it internationally, and this announcement helps boost the status of the Islands major rally. We look forward to welcoming all participants to the anniversary celebrations.”

Naturally, the event organisers themselves are delighted.
“I want to thank the TROA members for their support”, says John Gill, Rally Chairman.

“Given the on-going economic issues and last years cancellation we really are grateful for the opportunity to once again play our part in the Championship. Irish drivers are synonymous with ‘the Manx’ throughout its history, from former winners Adrian Boyd, Cahal Curley, Frank Meagher, Eugene Donnelly and Keith Cronin, to the great names of Billy Coleman, Bertie Fisher, Austin MacHale and Kenny McKinstry, so it is very apt to have their leading historic drivers join us next year. We are already speaking to travel operators to ensure we can make it as easy as possible with direct sailings for competitors, officials, media and spectators alike to attend.”

“The announcement is another step in the re-emergence of the event, which rightly has a reputation as one of the crown jewels of British Isles rallying, an ultimate challenge to car and crew.”

Rally Isle of Man was last included in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in 2009.

The 2012 Rally Isle of Man takes place next week (20th-22nd September).