12-02-09: Details of this year's Larsen Circuit of Ireland Rally, which will take place over 11/12 April, were announced on Thursday 12 February at the Park Inn, Dundalk. Larsen Building Products was revealed as the new title sponsor at a bustling press gathering, and Ulster Automobile Club (UAC) Ltd announced a fresh new look to this year's event.

"On behalf of the Ulster Automobile Club, it's with great pleasure that I welcome Larsen Building Products on board as the new title sponsor of the Circuit of Ireland Rally," Clerk of the Course and UAC Chairman Nigel Hughes said. "The event will be known as the Larsen Circuit of Ireland Rally."

"This year's event will be a two-day rally, covering a total of 130 plus stage miles and 250 road miles," Mr Hughes continued. "This helps to provide excellent value for money for all competitors, with an entry fee of £700 equating to just £5.40 per stage mile."

Larsen's marketing manager, Duncan Barnes, said: "Larsen is delighted to be the main sponsor of this year's Circuit of Ireland Rally. Being part of this prestigious and historic motoring event for the first time is an exciting prospect for the company."

The rally headquarters has moved to the Park Inn, Dundalk, while stages will be located in the South Down and South Armagh areas. The ceremonial start will take place for the first time in Banbridge town centre, and service during day one will be located at The Outlet shopping complex (also in Banbridge), while day two service will move to Newry.

"Rallying can be a massive attraction that helps boost the economy in the area," Mr Hughes said, "and it's fantastic that the councils recognise this. Over the years, we've received support from many councils, including Banbridge, Newry, Down, Louth, as well as Bord Failte. We're indebted to all of them."

The Circuit of Ireland Rally is the most famous event in Irish rallying, and once held the accolade of being the longest, most challenging tarmac rally in the world. But modern day rallying requires shorter, more compact events. Over the years, the UAC has reacted to these requirements, gradually reducing the road and stage mileage.

Now, during these increasingly difficult economic times, the Circuit of Ireland has taken a further step in its evolution. The introduction of a two-day format will help reduce the costs for all involved.

The event is a counting round of various championships, including the TROA Irish Tarmac Championship, Hankook MSA N.I. Stage Rally Championship and Richard Egger Insurance MSA Asphalt Championship. It also hosts a round of the Citroen C2 R2 Irish Cup, Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland and the Ford Fiesta SportingTrophy Ireland.

Furthermore, the new two-day format ensures that all competitors will tackle the same stages and mileage, regardless of which championship they are contesting.

More details will be announced during the coming weeks, and further information can be found online at www.circuitofireland.net.