PRESS
RELEASE
2nd April 2010
Border
counties all geared up for the
UTV Drive Circuit of Ireland Rally
Thousands of rally fans are expected to descend upon Dundalk,
Banbridge and Newry and the surrounding areas this weekend as
the 74th UTV Drive Circuit of Ireland takes to the roads.
There are lots of opportunities for fans to see the high-speed
cars during each of the 15 stages of the world's second oldest
rally which takes place across 270km of some of the most stunning
scenery in Ireland.
The ceremonial start takes place at the Courthouse at Earls
Street in Dundalk on Saturday lunchtime with crowds expected
to gather to see the cars from around 11am before the first
car is waved off at 12.30pm.
The town will be celebrating the start of the event with a Rally
Show in the Market Square. Attractions will include face painting,
bouncy castles, a Rally Simulator, music and live reports from
radio station LMFM.
On Saturday afternoon spectators will be able to see the rally
south of Banbridge on roads in areas including Loughbrickland,
Creevy, Poyntzpass, Jerrettspass and near Bessbrook.
Drivers on the gruelling two-day event will take a rest break
in Solitude Park in Banbridge around 4.30pm on Saturday.
This will provide an opportunity for the public to meet and
greet the drivers, view the powerful rally cars as well as seeing
the 2010 Dakar winning VW Touareg, on its first visit anywhere
in the UK or Ireland.
Later the drivers will embark on an 18-mile marathon night stage
which takes place south of Banbridge on Saturday night through
the Kingsmill, Tyrone Ditches and Glaskermore areas.
On Sunday the Circuit moves to Newry where stages will take
place near Castleblayney and Crossmaglen at Fincairn Hill, Coolcair
and Cornoonagh Hill.
Cars will arrive back at Carnbane Industrial estate in Newry
in the afternoon before the winner takes to the podium outside
Newry Town Hall around 5.15pm.
Roads will close around one hour before the stages are due to
start.
Now boasting IRC Supporter Event status, in a major coup for
the organisers of the world's second oldest rally, the eyes
of the rallying world will be on competitors and organisers
this weekend.
The Circuit plays host to a number of championships including
the second round of the hotly contested Citroen Irish Tarmac
Rally Championship.
Spectators
are asked to follow Marshal's instructions for their own safety.
A
full entry list and precise maps for the locations of each of
the 15 stages are available in the Circuit of Ireland programmes
which can be purchased from retailers in the area before and
during the event. For a full list of retailers go to www.circuitofireland.net
You
can also keep up to date with Circuit of Ireland news and results
on Facebook.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The
Circuit of Ireland Rally is the second oldest rally in the world.
Steeped in history, many epic battles can be recounted after
almost 80 years of rallying on the Emerald Isle.
The event was first organised in 1931 and over the years the
event expanded and eventually transformed into a true 'circuit'
of Ireland. In the past competitors tackled more than 1,000
stage miles around the island, in what was a five-day marathon
rally.
During
those golden years, the event was the longest tarmac rally in
the world, and attracted many world famous names to Irish shores.
The
likes of Colin McRae, Hannu Mikkola and Henri Toivonen are just
a few select names that have graced the 'Circuit' stages.
Modern
day rallying requires shorter, more compact events, and the
'Circuit' has moved with the times. The event now runs with
a compact two-day format, but has retained its prestigious name
and remains a tough challenge for competitors.
