Rally celebrates 80 years

The 2011 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally in association with UTV Drive was launched in spectacular fashion today. Ireland and Lions winger Tommy Bowe, reigning Circuit champion Derek McGarrity and Irish Tarmac series winner Gareth MacHale showed their support for one of the most famous rallies in the world. This year's Rally will take place over the Easter weekend and will see the excitement begin in Armagh city centre on Saturday 23rd April. Competitors will tackle 16 stages across the Orchard County, Down, Antrim and Monaghan before returning to Armagh for the finish on Easter Sunday afternoon 24th April. Thousands of rally fans are expected to descend on Armagh where the Rally will be headquartered and where the Service Park will be located at the Armagh City Hotel. Lisburn will also play a major role in the 2011 event however organisers are remaining tight-lipped for the moment with precise details to be announced in the coming weeks. The 2011 Circuit of Ireland Rally is structured to accommodate all competitors whether it be for the full international, the TROA Modified and historic element, the NI Championship one day event, or the 2WD Sunday Run. Competitor entry fees have also been restructured to suit all budgets. Rally Director Bobby Willis is confident this lowered entry fee will appeal to drivers from Ireland as well as from further afield. Speaking at the official launch at UTV Studio One in Belfast, he said: "The Circuit of Ireland Rally is one of the oldest rallies in the world and we are hoping our reduced entry fee, and the increased promotion of the event, will attract more international drivers to take part in this prestigious event. "The event first took place in 1931 and I am thrilled to say that 80 years on The Circuit of Ireland Rally continues to draw thousands of spectators. "The 2011 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally in association with UTV Drive is not only the perfect way for families to spend the Easter weekend, but an opportunity to attract visitors to our beautiful country," he added. Terence Donnelly, Managing Director of the Donnelly Motor Group which has six sites throughout Northern Ireland said: "I, like so many of our customers have followed and enjoyed the Circuit of Ireland Rally. I competed and won my class in the Irish Rally Championships in a Mini Cooper. "I am delighted that through the Donnelly Group sponsorship we are able to support such an important event. I look forward to developing this partnership in the coming months culminating in an amazing Easter event." David Dornan, General Manager of UTV Drive said: "The Circuit of Ireland Rally has legendary status and a large and loyal following both locally and internationally. "We believe that the Circuit of Ireland Rally and UTV Drive make a perfect partnership and the event reinforces our commitment to the local motoring community. "This is the second year that we've partnered the Rally and will keep customers and Rally fans up-to-date with all the action as it happens at www.UTVDrive.co.uk," he added. For more information on the Rally go to www.circuitofireland.net