Local rally fans asked to share favourite memories

The Circuit of Ireland, which takes place 7th – 9th April this year, is part of the fabric of Ireland’s rich motorsport history. Last year, the Rally attracted around 80,000 spectators and doubled its global television audience from 15 million to 30 million.

Members of the public who have spectated or volunteered with the Rally over the years are invited to share their favourite moments by contacting Rally organisers via social media www.facebook.com/circuitofireland or www.twitter.com/CircuitIreland or e-mail [email protected].

Event Director Bobby Willis said, “The Circuit of Ireland Rally is rich in history. My first memory of the Circuit of Ireland Rally was as a boy, living in Hong Kong, and my father recounting numerous stories about the Rally. I’ve been involved in the Circuit of Ireland Rally for several decades now and have heard many wonderful stories down through the years about the Rally – funny stories, poignant stories, the lengths fans went to attend and sacrifices made by drivers to ensure they could take part.”

Mr Willis added, “We would be keen to collate some of these superb stories as part of our celebrations for the Rally’s 85th year and would urge anyone from Ballymoney to get in touch with the Circuit of Ireland office. We would love to hear from you.”

The Circuit of Ireland Rally is once again part of the prestigious FIA European Rally Championship. Jimmy McCaherty/Winslow Trimble won the Rally in 1931 in an Austin 16 Saloon. Since then, the Rally has attracted major international and local names including Paddy Hopkirk, Bertie Fisher, Jimmy McRae and Craig Breen. The Rally will take place across County Down, County Antrim and Belfast from 7th – 9th April. For full details on this year’s Circuit of Ireland Rally, visit www.circuitofireland.net . Follow on www.facebook.com/circuitofireland or www.twitter.com/CircuitIreland .