Rally Isle of Man returns to Irish Tarmac calendar
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).
