Motorsport Ireland refuelling clarification criticised as U-turn

Several 'clarifications' will ensure 'a more efficient and practical process for competitors and clubs' the organisation claims.

Sun, 02 Feb, 2025 - 14:15

Martin Walsh

The saga surrounding refuelling on Motorsport Ireland permitted rally events in 2025 has taken another twist following an announcement by the governing body at the close of business on Friday last. A press release to its affiliated clubs and on its own website claims that several "key clarifications" will ensure "a more efficient and practical process for competitors and clubs."

However, the announcement has been severely criticised on social media and is being described as a U-turn.

One of the initial conditions that was imposed with no discussion with clubs or competitors, was that a refuelling zone had to be a minimum of two kilometres from the rally service park. In an effort to defend this, MI informed its clubs (through another press release) that it was to comply with insurance commitments. What these commitments were, few people, even within Motorsport Ireland, know exactly. Friday's announcement said, "the 2km restriction on refuelling area distances from the service area has been removed."

The Motor Sport Council (MSC) established a panel to collaborate with insurers and the removal of this element is now being described by MI as one of a number of "key clarifications." However, it doesn't sit well - even within the Motor Sport Council and certainly with many of the affiliated clubs.

On other "key clarifications" Motorsport Ireland has confirmed that self-refuelling, in refuelling areas, will now be allowed for all of 2025 while there is a "transition plan towards commercial refuelling with Euro M-Sport in 2026."

MI has also confirmed that pump fuel from petrol stations along rally route will now continue to be permitted long-term, other motorsport disciplines are not affected.

While Friday's statement brings clarity, albeit in the short term, there are still many unanswered questions, most of all how has the situation evolved without proper communication with clubs and competitors? The prices of the various fuels quoted in the initial announcement has raised serious concerns, if plans proceeded unopposed, it is estimated the increase would have generated approximately €36,000 additional income for the fuel supplier based on a two-day rally with a capacity entry. The saga is likely to continue.

The funeral service for former Irish and British Rallycross champion Dermot Carnegie took place in Kilternan Parish Church on Saturday last. A native of Blackrock and late of Killiney, he was a champion in many disciplines of the sport and was hugely popular and extremely helpful to so many competitors. A member of the TDC (Trial Drivers' Club) he began is motorsport activities in autotesting in the 1960's and from 1967 until 1986, he won the National Hewison Autotest Championship ten times.

Amongst other cars he rallied a Mini Cooper S and won the Castlereagh Trophy on the Circuit of Ireland when it was a five-day event. He also competed in autocross events.

Most of all, it was his success in rallycross that brought him fame on both sides of the Irish Sea. While he always had cars that were of the highest standards, it was his sheer skill and control that saw him win eight the Irish Rallycross Championship titles. He also won two Northern Irish titles and six British titles before he retired from that spectrum of the sport in 2008. Afterwards, he still enjoyed competing in Targa Rallies and Classic Rallies and was an MI licence holder up until his passing last week. In 2006, Dermot Carnegie, who will be cremated at a private service today (Monday), was the recipient of the Ivan Webb Memorial Trophy for his contribution to motorsport. He is pre-deceased by his wife Iris and sister Sylvia and is survived by daughters Jill, Victoria and Diana, extended family and many friends in business and motorsport.