IRC supporter event gets night stage

The Circuit of Ireland IRC Supporter Event will feature a 29-kilometre night stage when it runs for the 74th time from 3/4 April.

Although organisers are keeping details of the stage route a secret, they hope to make it the centrepiece of the event when it’s used on the evening of Saturday 3 April, as they work towards achieving full Intercontinental Rally Challenge status in the future.

Bobby Willis, the event director pictured flanked by Gordon Noble (left) and Irish Tarmac champion Eugene Donnelly (right), said: "When I took over the day-to-day management of the Circuit of Ireland a few months ago we promised fans and competitors alike that we’d introduce new elements, as we aim to grow the rally over the coming years."

"Already we’ve secured IRC Supporter Event status and I hope to secure funding to ensure that the Circuit of Ireland becomes a round of the IRC in the future."

Based in Newry, Northern Ireland, the event will total 15 stages and has a capacity entry of 135 cars. It is also a counting round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.