The Rallysport Association developing throughout Ireland!

Despite the problems in the economy The Rallysport Association continues to ‘buck’ the trend and pull in large entries and at the first round of The Summer Championships held at Aghadowey in early May, a very impressive 120 competitors took part. The Junior class continues to grow with new competitors making the long trek from as far away as Dublin and Galway.

Due to the very competitive entry fees and the reasonable regulation structure, this motorsport concept has proved over the last ten years to be a real winner and not only has given people a chance to take part in affordable motorsport but has proved time and time again to be the best formula for youth driving development in Ireland. Several of the junior ‘graduates’ since it’s inception have moved on to win British and Irish Rally Championships including the young Darren Gass who had his learning seasons in a Vauxhall Nova! Alastair Fisher, Barry Greer, Mark Donnelly and Stephen Wright have all impressed in the Fiesta ST series both here in Ireland and in England and Samantha Thom and Kyle Orr have been front runners in the British Rallycross Championships Mini class.

Not only is The Rallysport Association events attractive for juniors but adults can experience the rally culture before deciding if they want to move on to the much more expensive forest and road based events. Because there is no need for a competition license friends and sponsors can simply come and enjoy a day as a co driver or even take part as a driver. Minimal expense is ensured by the simple and sensible regulations and the organisers carry their own £5M worth of independent public liability insurance cover.

18 events are available annually throughout the year and take place currently at Aghadowey and at the Moneyglass Estate venues and with a half hour of rallying for £65/€70 for adults and a bit less for juniors it really is great value motorsport.

The plan now is to start building on this success and make The Rallysport Association a national organisation. They are actively seeking single stage suitable venues throughout Ireland which have to be off the public roads and could be lanes on a country estate, a quarry, preferably disused, airfield or race track, grounds of a school or race course, a factory complex or industrial area, a country park or even just a large yard or area that a challenging stage could be created. The surface of the stages can be tarmac, concrete or gravel or a mix of any.

The objective is to create provincial championships ultimately coming together for the all Ireland finals where there will be Irish National Champions.

The key to the success of this plan is suitable venues so if any of the readers can be of help please get in touch with The Rallysport Association at their office in Portadown, Co. Armagh on (048) 38 39 33 44 / 38 33 19 19.

The promoters truly believe that this is the most exciting plan for Irish Rallysport development and an opportunity for everyone including those involved and employed in the Irish Rallysport Industry, to happen for many years. At a time when the £’s and €’s are harder to find it is great to hear of news of plans for a seriously affordable option.