The organisers of the Clonakilty Blackpudding Irish Tarmac Modified Rally Championship (TROA) have confirmed that the 2015 Rally Isle of Man powered by Microgaming will play host to a qualifying round of the Championship, in addition to the Historic Championship crews that attended last weeks’ running.
The news comes as further boost to the event following a hugely successful renewal, with competitors, spectators and media alike praising the three day rally and the challenge it represents.
The crews that compete in the Irish Modified Championship are widely considered to be ‘the entertainers’, mostly running highly developed rear-wheel drive cars such as Darrian’s, Ford Escort’s and Toyota Starlet’s that allow drivers to show off all of their ability in show-stopping style!
“This news follows several months of discussion (Rally Isle of Man is a founder member of TROA), and is tremendous for Rally Isle of Man”, says John Gill, event Chairman. “The potential to have the mix of these great drivers and their cars on the iconic Manx stages such as Druidale, the Curraghs and Cringle, as well as through the streets of Douglas and Castletown is a mouthwatering prospect already!”
The Modified Championship traditionally attracts a high number of registrations and the event organisers are keen to welcome as many visitors from the Emerald isle as possible.
“We have been working with travel operators over the last three years to secure arrangements that will hopefully allow anyone that wants to attend to do so, and at the same time we have been continually working on the cost-base of the event to keep it as cost-effective as possible”, says Gill.
“This announcement is the fruition of that work, but by no means the end. We have significantly reduced the cost compared to the last time we were part of the full Irish Tarmac Championship, and the message now is, ‘you’ve heard all about it, come and try it for yourselves’! We want to welcome you all in twelve months time."
David Gray, TROA Chairman commented, "It is great news that that a very significant part of our Championships, the Modifieds, will be joining the Historics in 2015 on a Rally which proved this year to be an outstanding challenge to all the competitors who took part."
Gerard Seaman Championship Manager added, “It is great to have the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship Modified and Historic sections back on the island. This is due to the ongoing work from the club, working together closely with the Championship and we are all looking forward to starting a new chapter on the Isle of Man, and are very excited to be back in September 2015. The inclusion of Rally Isle of Man is just one more initiative to strengthen an already strong championship.”
The 2015 Rally Isle of Man powered by Microgaming takes place from 17-19th September.
Spectator packages for the event will also be available, with details to follow early in the New Year.
2015 Clonakilty Blackpudding Irish Tarmac Rally Championship Calendar
28th & 29th November 2014 Killarney Historic Stages Rally (Historic)
7th & 8th February 2015 Galway International Rally
14th & 15th March 2015 West Cork Rally
3rd & 4th April 2015 Circuit of Ireland Rally
1st - 3rd May 2015 Rally of the Lakes Killarney
19th - 21st June 2015 Donegal International Rally
14th & 15th August 2015 Ulster Rally
17th - 19th September 2015 Rally Isle of Man (Modified & Historic)
2nd - 4th October 2015 Cork 20 International Rally
