The 2011 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship will now revert to six counting rounds following the withdrawal of the Jim Clark Rally from this year’s line-up.
The decision, which has been ratified by the Tarmac Rally Organisers’ Association (TROA), sees the Scottish based event extend its current sabbatical from the series.
Colin Pagan, Event Director of the Jim Clark Rally, said: “Our failure to secure funding, coupled with the current economic position, is the primary reason for the decision. We have had a very good association with the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship over a number of years and we are very keen to maintain these links but present financial pressures mitigate against this.”
“However, we will be offering driver incentives to qualifying registered competitors who want to compete on the event, although it will not be a counting round of the Championship.”
Championship Manger, Don Wilmont, confirmed that Championship honours would be decided on competitors’ best five scores from the six rounds.
2011 Irish Tarmac Championship Calendar:
1) Safety Direct Galway International Rally: 5-6 February
2) Circuit of Ireland: 23-24 April
3) Rally of the Lakes: 30 April – 1 May
4) Donegal International Rally: 17-19 June
5) Ulster International Rally: 19-20 August
6) Cork ’20’ International Rally: 1-2 October
– Credit: Jonathan MacDonald/MediaJAM Communications and www.RallyBuzz.com