Motors: WRC return to Ireland at risk due to funding doubts

MOTORSPORT: Local driver Josh Moffett (Citroen C3 Rally2) is the top seed for Sunday’s Monaghan Rally, the second round of the Triton National Rally Championship where he is seeking a fourth win on his home event. Picture: Martin Walsh.

A World Rally Championship return to Ireland, possibly as soon as next year, is still in a state of flux with some stakeholders becoming somewhat frustrated by the lack of information. Motorsport Ireland’s bid to host three rounds of the WRC (2025-2027) is predicated on the success of a funding application to the Irish government to the tune of €15m spread equally over the three years.

However, since the announcement of a decision that resulted in three locations - Limerick Racecourse, Tralee MTU and the Waterford Quays being identified to host the service park and media zone - there’s been little information from Motorsport Ireland, especially over the last three weeks. MI intimated an announcement on the application was expected prior to the West Cork Rally (March 15/17). Efforts then and again this week to seek information from Motorsport Ireland president Aiden Harper have proved unsuccessful.

However, the Irish Examiner can reveal that the governing body are set to call time on the process on Monday week (April 15th). MI has always maintained that hosting rounds of the WRC all hinges on securing the funding, otherwise, it will not go ahead and they will move on.

Apparently, a commitment on the running order for the three years was promised by the end of February, but that didn’t materialise at the time. It now appears that Waterford (should the funding be granted) will host the first event in the three year rotation process. Meanwhile, stakeholders such as local authorities and chambers of commerce are seeking clarification on the bid from those involved within some locations.

During the launch process it was claimed that each of the three events would generate €100 million - interestingly, figures available on Rally Finland, one of the most popular rounds of the WRC stated that the economic impact of the 2023 event was €19 million of which €14.6 million was direct revenues from tourism - money spent by visitors arriving from outside of the region.

A spokesperson for the WRC Promoter said that while there is no set date, it is hoped to sign off on the 2025 WR calendar within the next two months to give everyone additional time to work on their events. On the Irish bid, the spokesperson added, “We are offering all the support we can give them (Motorsport Ireland) but as of now, there's no cut-off date.” One way or another, an answer from Motorsport Ireland or government looms ever more closely.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s Monaghan Rally is set to be a battle of the Moffett siblings Josh and Sam, who have each won their home event on three occasions. Josh (31) the top seed and current national champion stays with his Citroen C3 Rally2 car that whilst proving financially lucrative from the Citroen Racing C3 Rally2 Trophy Ireland, it has yet to be steered to a rally win. Sam (34) won the opening round of the Triton series in Ballina (Mayo Rally) where Josh was one of the many opening stage casualties, neither will lack motivation on home ground to gain bragging rights with a fourth home win. Ballylickey’s Daniel Cronin (VW Polo GTi R5) is next off the start line and given the presence of the Moffett duo would be delighted to replicate his second place finish in the first round, however, it’s his maiden outing in the fast Farney territory. Local hero Niall Maguire (Citroen C3 Rally2) will be co-driven by his daughter Molly and is amongst the top ten starters shortly after 10.00am.