ORGANISERS OF THE 2016 Joule Donegal International Rally believe that the event, still eight months away, is on course to break records.
The 2016 Joule Donegal International Rally, which runs from June 17-19, will be part of the 2016 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship after a recent impasse was arrested.
Under the new proposals, World Rally Cars – class 7 entries – would not score point for the overall championship while the Donegal Motor Club suggested that both R5 cars and WRC cars should be permitted to compete for the Championship title.
The DMC subsequently confirmed that their blue chip event would be a part of the 2016 Championship and already they are looking forward to a record-breaker next summer.
The Joule Donegal International Rally is the only three-day rally in Ireland and will act as the fifth round of the Clonakilty Black Pudding Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
“2015 surprised us all,” said Press Officer John McCay.
“The announcement of Joule as title sponsor got a great reaction and re-energised the event with fantastic crowds turning out for a very successful weekend which saw Garry Jennings and Rory Kennedy crowned as winners on the Sunday evening in Letterkenny.
“Aspiring competitors and visitors will face the challenge of three full days of rallying over classic Donegal stages along the Wild Atlantic Way with a social aspect so well established that it now has its own name: ‘The Donegal Experience’.”
Donegal Motor Club Chairman Brian Brogan is also one of the many locals who competes regularly in the rally. Brogan and Damien McGettigan compete in a MK2 Escort.
“The spectator numbers this year were amazing, as was the record media interest, domestic and international, and it was fantastic that so many got to enjoy the magic of Donegal in midsummer,” Brogan said.
“Thanks to the support from Joule we can now plan an even better for 2016. Everyone is invited. The memories are waiting.”
Accomodation bookings for competitors may be made on the event website and for visitors through Failte Ireland Letterkenny on: 00-353-74-91-21160.
