Circuit of Ireland drivers to be tested on North Coast stages

Drivers from all over the world including current FIA ERC leader and winner of Rally Canarias, Alexey Lukyanuk as well as Welsh star Elfyn Evans and Co Cork’s Keith Cronin will take in some of Northern Ireland’s most famous scenery on competitive stages set in the Causeway Coast and Glens region as well as visits to Bushmills Distillery and the Dark Hedges.

Last year the Circuit attracted almost 80,000 spectators and this year over 20 nations will be represented amongst the 140 strong crews, with over 60% of the entry list originating from outside Northern Ireland.

Event director Bobby Willis said: “It has been many years since the Circuit of Ireland Rally has been in this spectacular North Coast area. It’s wonderful to be back in this area steeped in motorsport history with an exceptional route combining dramatic scenery with thrilling roads. I’m most appreciative to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for so enthusiastically supporting the Rally.

“For the first time ever we are joining two of the biggest and most iconic stages of the Circuit of Ireland – Glendun and Torr Head – into one marathon stage stretching over 31 km. This will certainly test the drivers to the limit as well as show off some of our most beautiful scenery.”

The route will also feature a passage control in the Dark Hedges and a 15 minute regroup at Bushmills Distillery. Cars will also service in Ballymoney’s Joey Dunlop Centre highlighting another famous and legendary name in Northern Ireland’s motorsport history.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan said, “This is an exciting new development for the north coast and one I am personally looking forward to.

“The Borough has attracted some of the world’s top sporting events and now I am extremely pleased to be able to announce that the Circuit of Ireland Rally is coming to the north coast, and joining our prestigious history.

“With some tremendous competitive stages, certainly some of the best in the Rally, Council aims to support the event by promoting through tourism to welcome local and international visitors to the area.”

Crawford Henderson, who competes with Draperstown driver Camillus Bradley, congratulated Bobby Willis on bringing the circuit back to the North Coast region.

“It’s wonderful to have rally stages on my home turf and the Glens ‘mega’ stage is certainly going to be a challenging one due to its 31km length. Tyre choices will certainly play an important part in helping teams last the pace.

“I competed in my first Circuit back in 1985 and it continues to be a thrilling and historic rally which attracts top home and international crews,” he said.

The Circuit of Ireland Rally takes place on 7th–9th April and is the second of 10 rounds in the 2016 FIA European Rally Championship.

The 2016 event is also part of the 2016 British Championship (BRC) the Irish Tarmac Championship series and is a counting round of the Northern Ireland Championship.

The Circuit team would also welcome additional volunteers to help manage each of the stages and anyone interested can contact organisers via the volunteer page on www.circuitofireland.net.