Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge organisers have announced that the scheduled trip to the FxPro Cyprus Rally for this year’s winners in the UK, Ireland and Sweden will not take place. Instead, due to difficulties for each of the three champion drivers to attend the event, they will now receive a prize package in lieu of their supported entry in the final round of the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge).
In order to reward the winners in all three countries with a comparable prize, at the beginning of the year it was arranged that each would receive a free entry, fuel, tyres and a sizeable contribution to expenses, to contest the Cyprus event. In addition to this, the first home would be crowned European Evolution Challenge Champion.
However, as the rally’s November date got closer, it became apparent that all three drivers had issues that would make it difficult for them to attend the rally: UK winner Jonny Greer was committed to Rally Scotland and his team the Rally GB, Ireland winner Brendan Cumiskey was under pressure because of business commitments and trying to get his car repaired following the last round of the series and Sweden winner Jimmy Joge is in the throws of selling his car.
“Obviously it’s disappointing that we won’t be going to Cyprus, but at the end of the day we have to award a prize that suits our competitors”, said series coordinator Simon Slade. “Having spoken to each of them I understand the reasons why they can’t make it and therefore, we are offering them a package which can be put towards an event of their choosing.”
Series organisers have confirmed that the new package comprises fuel, tyres and prize money, plus a number of other awards dependent on the contributions from supporting partners in each country. It has also been confirmed that the awarding of the European Evolution Challenge title will now not take place, although bringing all three champion drivers together at another event in the future is currently under consideration.
“We would like to thank the organisers of the Cyprus Rally for their cooperation and understanding”, said Slade. “Right from the start they were supportive of what we were trying to do and they’ve been extremely helpful every step of the way. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors, who have enabled us to continue to run the series’ and offer a valuable prize fund.”
Slade has indicated that plans for the Evolution Challenge in 2011 will be announced in November.
The 2010 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland is supported by: Mitsubishi Motors, Pirelli tyres, Sunoco fuels, JRM, Cyprus Automobile Association, Fairways Mitsubishi, Donnelly Group, James Foley Rallysport, Speedline Corse wheels, Murray Motorsport, CL brake pads, Sparco racewear, Pacenotes and PIAA lights – who sponsor the junior award for under 25-year old drivers.
– Credit: www.rallybuzz.com