Four-times Circuit of Ireland winner Derek McGarrity will lead the 100-strong entry list for the 2011 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland away from the ceremonial start this Saturday at 12:00.
McGarrity, a two-times Tarmac Champion, will revert to WRC power for this weekend, instead of the Evo X, in which he contested the Galway International. He will use an Impreza S11 from his personal stable and will have regular navigator James McKee on the notes.
McGarrity is not alone in the WRC ranks, however. Darren Gass, Emma McKinstry, George Robinson, John McGaffin, Kevin Barrett, Kenny McKinstry, Ray Brammer and reigning Hankook Northern Ireland Champion Stuart Biggerstaff are all WRC-spec Impreza mounted. Kenny, a two-times Tarmac Champion in his own right, will be looking for his first Circuit trophy.
Aaron MacHale will switch from his regular Ford Focus WRC to an Evo 9 for the rally as will Garry Jennings, who will return to his usual Evo 9, after experimenting with an Impreza S10.
This year’s Circuit entry holds the biggest World Rally Car entry for quite some time, but it also has a very strong Group N and 2WD contingent, with around 20 Group N's and many 2WD cars vying for top honours.
Donagh Kelly could take top spot in the Sunoco Group N standings if he manages to get a solid result, but he faces a tough time with drivers such as Philip Morrow, Alan Carmichael, Neil McCance and Garry Jennings all fighting for top Showroom Class spot.
The 2WD Class again features a host of MK2's, with Wesley Patterson, Adrian Hetherington, Phil Collins, John Waring and Camillus Bradley all capable of taking the 2WD honours. The MK2's will not have it all their own way, though, with English businessman Steve Perez wheeling out his pristine Lancia Stratos. Perez is hoping to do what Billy Coleman and Cahal Curley were never able to do, take home the winners trophy from the Circuit of Ireland.
Multiple winner of The Rallysport Association's Summer and Winter Series' Amy Cox will mark her International début at the wheel of a Ford Escort G3. She will be navigated by Emmet Sherry.
“I am expecting the rally to be fun and enjoyable with some tight and twisty stages. I hope that everyone enjoys the event and the atmosphere should be good. Also, thanks to everyone who has helped me reach the Circuit!” She said.
The Circuit of Ireland evolved from the Ulster Motor Rally, which was first held in 1931 and was won by Jimmy McCaherty in an Austin 16 saloon. The proper 'Circuit' Of Ireland was held in 1958, which was won by Paddy Hopkirk, driving a Triumph TR3A. Over the past 53 years, the Circuit has been altered to reflect the changing times, first running from Belfast to Waterford (and back, via Galway and Donegal), instead of Killarney, and latterly, being run as a more compact two-day rally. This year's event comprises of 113 competitive miles, instead of the 500+ competitive miles of the 70's and 80's.
This year's event will begin at 12:00 midday at the Armagh City Hotel, the Rally HQ, before the crews head off to tackle the day's first test. The Armagh City Hotel will also act as service area for the rally. Lisburn will host the aptly named 'Lisburn Power Stage', the first time a town centre has been closed for a special stage. The crews will make two runs over the stage, SS6 and SS7. SS6 will start at 6:00PM. The National B rally will only incorporate Leg 1, while the rest will tackle both Legs. The winners of their respective classes will be presented with their trophies at 4:35PM on Sunday.
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