Following a two-year break, due to the global pandemic, the Circuit of Ireland International Rally is set to return on Easter weekend, Friday the 15th and Saturday the 16th April 2022.
The UAC Easter Stages are delighted to announce the support of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council for the Wastewater Solutions Circuit of Ireland International Rally this weekend.
In recent years, the UAC Easter Stages Rally has attracted more than 20,000 people, from spectators and visitors, to officials and competitors - generating approximately £800,000 for the local economy, according to the organisers.
The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey, has spoken of his delight ahead of the return of the Circuit of Ireland International Rally to the Borough.
The Mayor said:
“It's no secret I have a love of cars, so I'm personally delighted to see the prestigious Circuit of Ireland International Rally return to Mid and East Antrim.
“We pride ourselves on attracting and delivering world-class events in our Borough, and this is set to be another resounding success.
“Events such as this are wonderful for showcasing Mid and East Antrim to audiences around the world via live streaming on Facebook and Youtube, as well as the benefits they bring to our hospitality, tourism and retail sectors.
“A warm welcome awaits all the competitors, their teams, families and the spectators, and here's to an action-packed, safe weekend of motorsport, why not come and see for yourself.”
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is a proud supporter of the event, with Wastewater Solutions the title sponsors.
The Circuit of Ireland International Rally will be the first round of the FIA Celtic Rally Trophy and the third round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
A spectator guide will be available online for the event on the Circuit of Ireland website (www.circuitofireland.co.uk) and you can follow the action on Facebook and Instagram
Wastewater Solutions Managing Director, Philip Johnston, commented:
“I am extremely pleased to see the Circuit back and look forward to working with the team to provide another Easter Classic; who knows I might even compete this time!!”
Clerk of the Course, Nigel Hughes, stated:
“We are very grateful to Philip for his continued support. We have been working hard during our enforced respite to come up with a plan for the rally that will appeal to competitors, spectators and fans. We are also very conscious that Covid remains as a threat to our population and hopefully the route for 2022 reflects our thinking whilst endeavouring to keep the public safe”.
The Wastewater Solutions Circuit of Ireland International Rally will be the First round of the FIA Celtic Rally Trophy and the third round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
A full house of 91 entries, marking the 91st running of the oldest Rally in Ireland will tackle the 11 superlative stages, covering over 120 stage miles during Good Friday and Easter Saturday.
The service area at Ballymena Livestock Market will see competitors and spectators receive a very warm and traditional welcome from the local community.
The support from people across the North East of the province has been superb and we thank them all for their generosity and help to make this event happen said Nigel Hughes the Clerk of the Course.
It is clear from the top 10 entries that there will be seriously ‘fast and furious’ driving skills exhibited on the technically demanding stages to thrill those who come to enjoy this fantastic spectacle on some of the classic stages of the ‘Circuit’.
Jonnie Greer the current leader of the McGrady Insurance ANICC Stage Rally Championship believes that this event will challenge even the best.
William Creighton, current Motorsport UK Junior British Rally Champion and one of the UAC Future Champions will be entertaining the crowds so keep up to ‘speed’ with the live streaming via Youtube and Facebook.
Top 10 entries:
Alastair Fisher & Gordon Noble – Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
Josh Moffett & Andy Hayes – Hyundai i20 R5
Callum Devine & Shane Byrne – Ford Fiesta R5
Meirion Evans & Jonathan Jackson – Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
Cathan McCourt & Liam Moynihan – Skoda Fabia R5
Derek McGarrity & Graham Henderson – Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
Jonathan Greer & Darragh Mullen – Citroen C3 Rally 2
Desi Henry & Paddy Robinson – Ford Fiesta MK 2
Brendan Cumiskey & Martin Connolly – Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
Declan Boyle & James O’Reilly – Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
On Friday 15th April 2022, due to the Circuit of Ireland Rally (Orra Lodge & Lisles Hill stages) the following roads will be closed from 0700-1900hrs -
Pollan Road, Cushendall
Glenaan Road, Cushendall
Altarichard Road, Armoy
Clady Road, Cushendun
Drumcrow Road, Glenarm
Aughaboy Road, Glenarm
Mullaghsandall Road, Larne
Glenview Road, Larne
Starbog Road, Larne
Deerpark Road, Glenarm
Lisles Hill Road, Glenarm
Carnalbanagh Road, Glenarm
Saturday 16th April 2022, due to the Circuit of Ireland Rally (Glendun & Cairncastle stages) the following roads will be closed from 0700-1900hrs -
Pollan Road, Cushendall
Glenaan Road, Cushendall
Altarichard Road, Armoy
Clady Road, Cushendun
Sallagh Road, Larne
Ballycoose Road, Larne
Loughdoo Road, Larne
Feystown Road, Larne
Aughaboy Road, Glenarm
Mullaghsandall Road, Larne
Glenview Road, Larne
Starbog Road, Larne
Deerpark Road, Glenarm
Lisles Hill Road, Glenarm
Carnalbanagh Road, Glenarm