Motorsport Ireland president warns against canvassing for World Rally location
Motorsport Ireland president Aiden Harper. Picture: Martin Walsh
The three locations identified as fitting the criteria to host the service park and media centre for an Irish round of the World Rally Championship, possibly in 2025, will undergo physical inspections next weekend (January 4/5) with an official announcement to be made within two days of the inspections.
President of Motorsport Ireland Aiden Harper told the Irish Examiner, “The selection group along with members of WRC will visit the three locations - Tralee, Limerick and Waterford. There may be some work to be carried out in the locations to have that grounding in place by 2025, but we need to physically walk the ground and make sure it is what it is as there is no going back. We also need to make sure that all the key stakeholders in the three locations are fully on board and aware of what it’s all about.”
In reference to some online promotion and discussions with political representatives, he added, “This is not part of the process and as of yesterday (Wednesday) I have written to those involved in all three areas to inform them that canvassing is not permitted and it could lead to disqualification from the process.”
He continued, “Also, what I don’t want is people ringing WRC directly and telling them this (a specific location) is the best place to come. The selection group will determine that, the WRC guys are coming in as an extra tick if you know what I mean.”
The president acknowledged that there has been external canvassing, which he stated is not right and proper. A proposal has been put to the Irish government, previously the president told the Irish Examiner that they are seeking €12m funding based on a three-year plan to host the World Rally Championship possibly in August/September of 2025.
Reflecting on the current season, he said. “It’s been bittersweet, we’ve had our great moments but we lost four Irish competitors, one abroad and three at home (Craig Breen, Gene McDonald, Daire Maguire and Damien Fleming). Numbers were up by 20%, first-time licences were up by 15%, which is great; and all rally entries - with one exception - were filled. All other disciplines are doing really well.”
In relation to the tragedies, he added. “It’s been a tough year but as we come together as a motorsport family, we come together strong.”
Harper, who will begin his third of a six-year tenure as president in 2024, outlined his vision for next year, “I want to keep improving and bring our sport to the next level at all times.”
Meanwhile, Motorsport Ireland has published its decision into an enquiry surrounding allegations of verbal abuse to a Red Cross volunteer which was alleged to have happened at the start line of this year’s Donegal Hillclimb. Letters submitted by an Irish Red Cross paramedic, Eibhlin Friel Browne and Patrick McGonagle, Deputy Area Director of Units (Donegal & Sligo) Irish Red Cross, alleged abuse and bullying of a person by the clerk of the course Michael Kelly. The outcome has led to the suspension of Mr Kelly’s Motorsport Ireland official licence for a term of 90 days along with a fine of €500.
The Carlow Car Club have received a capacity entry for next Friday’s Carlow Rallysprint at Mondello Park with the Fiesta R5 trio of Cork’s David Guest, Carlow’s David Condell and Waterford’s Keith Power amongst the line-up that also features Waterford’s Ray Breen (Ford Focus WRC). This year’s Billy Coleman award winner Mooncoin’s Jack Brennan will compete in a Speedcar Buggy.
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