2024 Tarmac Rally Championship

Matt Edwards and C&M Motorsport set for Irish Tarmac bid

Posted: January 14, 2024 6:49 AM

Matt Edwards will attempt an assault on the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in 2024. The three-time British Rally Champion has teamed up with C&M Motorsport to start the asphalt campaign.

The Welsh driver has impressed on sporadic Irish rallies over the last few years. Edwards has racked up two Ulster Rally wins and a comeback drive to secure a runner-up finish on last year's Donegal International Rally.

They are results that ensure Edwards arrives in Galway with a pedigree that poses a significant threat to Irish Tarmac’s regulars.

C&M Motorsport, along with continued support from Lyons of Limerick, Pirelli, and Speedline Corse will form the basis of Edwards’ Irish Tarmac entry. He continues to seek out support to contest the full programme of events in a Ford Fiesta Rally2 prepared by NPL Motorsport. “An Irish Tarmac campaign has been a dream of mine for a few years now,” explained Edwards. “I have had success on the Ulster Rally and been on the pace in Donegal and West Cork so it feels like a natural step to try to put it all together over a year.

“It is the continued battle to secure monetary support to fulfill it which always proves to be the stumbling block. So, I am thrilled with this opportunity made possible by the support of Marty [McKenna] at C&M Motorsport along with the longstanding partners who have stood by me in previous campaigns.”

C&M Motorsport is entering its third year of business, selling cars all over the world from Ireland to Chile to Australia. Taking pride in dealing with people across the world, director Marty McKenna has rallied for 20 years and stems that passion, along with the success of his 30-year-old C&M Motors business, into his motorsport operation.

“It is brilliant to embark on a full championship again,” Edwards continued. “It will be my first since our third BRC title in 2021. A championship suits my approach better than a one-off event so we’ll be eyeing up a consistent year.

“Of course, I want to be in the title hunt at the end of the year but to be out again with the support we have means a lot. I love the sport and can’t wait to enjoy some close battles again.”

February's Galway International Rally will take place over two days and 14 stages. The unforgiving West of Ireland stages are a true test of driver, co-driver, and rally car but it is one Edwards can't wait to get stuck into.

“Galway will be a new rally to me,” admitted Edwards, “but the stages will be new to most competitors so hopefully it will be a level playing field. “I am no stranger to the Ford Fiesta Rally2 so we will just have to see where things take us as the event progresses.”

C&M Motorsport’s Rally2 Fiesta will be available to purchase at the finish ramp of the Galway International Rally. The unique opportunity will include Edwards' full rally set-up as well as a test with the three-time British Rally Champion.

Sean Hayde takes the reins as ITRC manager

Posted: January 1, 2024 12:30 PM

The Irish Tarmac Rally Championship will be co-ordinated by a new manager in 2024. Cork’s Sean Hayde steps into the role, succeeding Paddy Flanagan as ITRC’s Championship Manager.

Paddy Flanagan has overseen the championship since 2015, managing some of Irish Tarmac’s most competitive seasons. The championship has gone from strength to strength in recent years helped by a switch to an R5/Rally2-based international category in 2016, ever-present modified thrillers, increasingly popular historic classes, and a string of up-and-coming junior stars.

The Tarmac Rally Organisers Association would like to thank Paddy for all of his commitment, help, and guidance over each of the seven championships. We wish you all the best in the future and hope to see you around the service park for many years to come.

Sean Hayde takes on the role as an experienced co-driver and member of the Munster Car Club. Having competed across Ireland with a variety of drivers in both national and international events, TROA is confident that Sean will provide a bright future for the championship.

February’s Galway International Rally will be Sean’s first event in his new post but he has already started working with the rest of the TROA team to prepare for the 2024 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.

The championship once again consists of seven rounds with drivers and co-drivers set to take on some of the world’s most challenging asphalt stages.

Paddy Flanagan, outgoing ITRC manager
“It is with great sadness that I am retiring from my role as ITRC manager. I will still keep my eye in and will help out when needed.
“I was hugely proud and privileged to be asked to manage the championship back in 2015. Rallying has been in my blood from my early teens and will always be a part of my life. “The past eight years have had their ups and downs but the ups have far outweighed the downs.
“There are too many people who I need to thank to name individually for their help and support over the past eight years. However my deepest gratitude goes to the chairmen and all who served as directors, treasurer, and secretary of TROA.
“To all the member clubs, it has been a pleasure to work with you all. Finally to the competitors, thanks for your support this past eight years without you there would not be a championship.
“I would like to wish new championship manager Sean Hayde all the best in his new role.”

Sean Hayde, ITRC manager
“To the Chairman and all the directors of TROA, I wish to thank you for the opportunity of being appointed as your next ITRC manager.
“It is a great privilege to undertake such a role and having been involved in rallying for many years, I hope that I will make TROA and all the competitors proud in assisting, promoting and ensuring that this championship goes from strength to strength.
“I will be available at all events in 2024 for all competitors, International, Modified, Historic, Juniors and at the end of the phone for any help, queries or other assistance in relation to the championship.
“What I would ask is that any competitors who are thinking of doing the championship, please register as soon as possible as this will make all of our roles a little easier.”

Tarmac Championship

Posted: January 1, 2024 12:25 PM

Killarney Historic Rally - (Sat) 2 Dec 23 (Historics Only)

1 Galway International Rally - 3-4 Feb 24
2 West Cork Rally - 15-17 Mar 24
3 Circuit Of Ireland - 29-30 Mar 24
4 Killarney International Rally Of The Lakes - 4-5 May 24
5 Donegal International Rally - 21-23 Jun 24
6 Ulster Rally - 16-17 Aug 24
7 Cork 20 Rally - 28-29 Sep 24

Tarmac Championship Official Site