Zlín bosses report huge IRC rally interest

The popularity of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge has been further underlined after organisers of Barum Czech Rally Zlín revealed preliminary spectator figures for the all-asphalt event.

Based in the industrial city of Zlín in southeast Czech Republic from August 27-29, the rally, round nine of the 12-event IRC season, attracted an estimated 230,000 fans, with the superspecial stage through the streets of Zlín watched by 40,000 spectators, despite heavy rain.

“The fans on this event are always incredible, so much support and so passionate,” said leading IRC driver Jan Kopecký, who was heading for his second victory on the event at the wheel of his factory Škoda Fabia S2000 until a late crash put him out.

Barum Czech Rally Zlín has been a mainstay of the IRC since the series’ inception in 2007.