Circuit of Ireland joins IRC supporter events

The Circuit of Ireland, the world’s second oldest rally, has received Intercontinental Rally Challenge Supporter Event status for 2010.

The IRC Supporter Event scheme allows selected national events to benefit from the prestige of being associated with the IRC, from the strengths of the IRC brand, and to promote themselves internationally.

Accepting the IRC Supporter Event status at the recent IRC awards ceremony in Paris, Circuit of Ireland Rally Director, Bobby Willis said: "Having this prestigious charter bestowed upon the Circuit of Ireland is the first step in our strategy to re-awake the sleeping sporting giant that is the Circuit of Ireland. On top of that, Circuit of Ireland will be the only rally event to be granted "Supporter Event" in Ireland for 2010."

Present at the ceremony was Irish driver Kris Meeke who was recently crowned 2009 IRC champion. He commented: "The global success and growth of the IRC is testament to the popularity of rallying across the world and I’m delighted that Circuit of Ireland is to become part of this family."

In 2010, the Circuit of Ireland will be staged during its traditional Easter slot with precise details to be released in the near future.