LISBURN ON EUROPEAN RALLY MAP

AS 2012 DONNELLY GROUP CIRCUIT OF IRELAND MAKES WELCOME RETURN  The eyes of world rallying will be on Lisburn this Easter as the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally makes a welcome return to the city’s streets for the Lisburn Power Stage on Easter Saturday 7 April.  2012 looks set to be even bigger than last year, when 15,000 spectators packed Lisburn city centre stage, as this year the Rally is the third round of the global Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) series with the Lisburn event broadcast to millions across the globe by Eurosport.

The Lisburn Power Stage will see the best Irish competitors battle drivers from around the world, including current IRC series champion Norway’s Andreas Mikkelsen.   
The two day 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally will begin in Belfast with a Super Special Stage in Titanic Quarter, purpose built for incredible spectator viewing and kicking off the rally on Good Friday 6 April. The rally then powers south for 14 more stages over two days including various stages centred round the historic host city of Armagh.

Speaking at today’s launch in the Titanic Drawing offices in Belfast, Rt Hon Peter D Robinson MLA said: “2012 is a year of utmost importance to Northern Ireland. There are so many special events and anniversaries taking place that we can safely say we have a genuinely exciting experience to offer the world. “I welcome the thrilling contribution the 2012 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally will make to the world–class programme of NI2012 events and especially welcome the news that the Rally has been inducted into the 2012 Intercontinental Rally Challenge and is only UK stage in the calendar. “With the addition of the IRC, this event will not only bring in crowds in their thousands to Northern Ireland, showcasing our tourism product and contributing to the development of the economy but will also show Northern Ireland to around 10 million people via Eurosport. “That’s why I am pleased that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has provided financial assistance of £70,000 to support marketing and promotion as well as assist with the cost of running the event.”

Belfast man and global motorsport promoter Bobby Willis is also Rally Director. He said:  “2012 will be the biggest and best Circuit of Ireland Rally in more than two decades as we continue to restore the event to its former glory. “The Lisburn Power Stage will be a feast for motorsport fans and families alike with some of the world’s biggest rallying stars thrilling crowds in a city centre stage before which fans will be able to meet some of the world’s best drivers.” Willis, who took charge of the Super Special Stage at Stormont in 2007 as part of Rally Ireland, has always keen to ensure the public get as close to the drivers as possible. “Fans and families will have the opportunity to meet the drivers before a ceremonial start at Belfast City Hall and again in Lisburn and Armagh as we bring the Rally back to the people. “The 2011 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally Easter Saturday Power Stage saw more than 15,000 spectators flock to the streets of Lisburn where they got closer to the action than ever before. “This was the first time a city in Ireland closed its streets for a competitive stage of a rally. I’m thrilled we get to do it all over again this Easter Saturday, and I know my excitement will be shared with drivers and spectators alike. “I want to thank the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Tourism Ireland and Lisburn City Council who have worked tirelessly to support and secure this event.”

The Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Brian Heading was delighted to reveal the Power Stage would be returning to Lisburn.  He said: “2011 proved that the Lisburn Power Stage is a rally spectacular not to be missed! Last year was the first time Ireland had ever seen anything like it and thankfully it wasn’t the last. “This Easter Saturday, 7th April, Lagan Valley Island will once again become the location of an adrenaline fuelled competitive stage of the world renowned Circuit of Ireland Rally.  I hope that once again thousands of families will turn out to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Rally and make the event another success for the City.”

Alderman Jim Dillon, Chairman of the Council’s Economic Development Committee, speaking at the launch, said: “The benefits associated with last year’s Power Stage were significant and the Council hopes that once again this high profile sporting event will be a resounding success.   “Alongside the Rally the Council has organised other events throughout the day including a Family Fun Day at Castle Gardens, with face painting, food stalls, live music, children’s fairground attractions, and exciting entertainment for all visitors to come along and enjoy. “Last year this high profile event had a positive impact on local businesses in the City Centre and I am sure they will join me and my fellow Councillors in welcoming the drivers and spectators back to Lisburn this Easter Saturday.”

The IRC is one of the most followed motorsport series on the planet with a cumulative audience of 79 million viewers in 2010 (official 2011 data has not yet been released) and rose to prominence in the UK and Ireland when Dungannon’s Kris Meeke won the title in 2009. IRC’s Motorsport Development Manager and former international rally driver Jean–Pierre Nicolas has spent the last two days driving the 15 stages that make up the Rally. He said: “We are delighted to welcome the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally to the IRC family. “Drivers competing in the IRC are always keen for a new challenge and having driven the 15 stages I can assure them a challenge is exactly what they will get from the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally! “The Easter weekend tarmac stages through the beautiful Irish countryside are incredibly demanding. Several narrow roads, bumpy tarmac with ever changing conditions will ensure excitement and adrenaline levels will be running high at every corner. “The breath taking backdrop of Counties Armagh, Down and Antrim will certainly not disappoint rally fans around the world, who are set to travel to Ireland to experience this new and truly exhilarating round of the IRC. “Ever since the IRC’s inception in 2007 it has been our objective to showcase new events and cities but to also join forces with established rallies with a strong reputation, entry list and following. “The Circuit of Ireland Rally is steeped in tradition and we are delighted to be playing a pivotal role in the Titanic Festival in Belfast.”

Among the Irish drivers that will battle in the IRC series next year will be Donnelly Group sponsored Donagh Kelly (Donegal), Jonny Greer (Carryduff), Craig Breen (Waterford), Robert Barrable (Dublin) Mark Donnelly (Omagh) and Alastair Fisher (Trillick). Title sponsor once again this year is the Donnelly Motor Group which has seven sites throughout Northern Ireland. Its Managing Director Terence Donnelly said: “Everyone at the Donnelly Group is absolutely delighted to once again be sponsoring the Circuit of Ireland Rally which has truly come of age with its inclusion with the IRC. “Last year’s event was a massive success and the general public in Belfast, Armagh and Lisburn plus the legions of motorsport fans that will descend on these shores from the further afield are in for a treat this Easter. “I am proud to support the Rally’s continued development which will have far reaching economic and tourism implications for the region as a whole.”

The Lisburn Power Stage will be a free event that will also include other motorsport that will thrill the fans before the main event.  Tickets for the Titanic Super Special Stage priced at £25 (grandstand) and £10 (standing) can be purchased from Ticketmaster in the coming weeks. This year’s co–sponsors of the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally include: UTV Drive, Tourism Ireland, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Armagh City and District Council, Lisburn City Council and Belfast City Council, Titanic Quarter, Kantar Media, KDM Hire, Triton, Yellow Brick Road, Armagh City Hotel.

For further information go to www.circuitofireland.net or Facebook Circuit of Ireland Rally.