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New event signals Circuit of Ireland’s ERC comeback push

Event Director Bobby Willis wants to return the Circuit of Ireland Rally to the FIA European Rally Championship calendar in 2018 - and his come up with an innovative comeback plan.

Willis has announced the International Circuit Challenge will take place in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, from 7-8 April.

Run over eight stages, the event is restricted to 30 invited drivers in R5 cars and will be streamed live online.

Willis had hoped to maintain the Circuit of Ireland's ERC status for 2017 but a lack of guaranteed funding from various partners meant he was forced to put the rally on hold for 12 months.

But in order to continue the momentum built up over the years, Willis has launched the International Circuit Challenge to bridge the gap.

"It is regrettable that due to circumstances beyond our control we could not run a European championship Circuit of Ireland this year," said Willis. "However, the intention is to be back in 2018. It is important to keep the team together; to maintain the momentum and it's always good to try something new. It was also imperative for us to retain the road closing order which enables the Circuit to take place.

"The International Circuit Challenge will consist of two separate stages. Stage one will be tackled twice in the morning and twice again in the afternoon but in the reverse direction. The format will be the same for day two using a different stage, making a total of eight stages and some 80 miles [128 kilometres] of competitive driving.

"It promises to be a spectacular event and I've already had positive feedback from a number of our leading drivers including the likes of Marty McCormack, Desi Henry, Joe McGonigle and Jonny Greer who all figured strongly on last year's Circuit of Ireland. The five-time winner of the Circuit, Derek McGarrity, is also looking forward to the competition."

The rally will be based at Ballymena Showgrounds and the live TV streaming coverage will be hosted by former Production Car world championship-winning co-driver Trevor Agnew, who guided the ground-breaking internet coverage of last year's Circuit of Ireland, which was watched in 130 countries worldwide.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Mayor, Councillor Audrey Wales MBE, said: "I am excited about this new festival delivered in partnership with the International Circuit Challenge and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council."

Zdroj: fiaerc.com