Circuit of Ireland organisers are urging people throughout Northern Ireland to sign up as volunteer marshals for the upcoming FIA ERC Circuit of Ireland Rally. The event, which is for the first time ever part of a newly revamped European Rally Championship calendar, takes place during Easter week-end from 17 – 19 April.
“This year’s Circuit of Ireland Rally is set to be one of the biggest and best ever and to help us deliver a top quality event we require an overall volunteer base of up to 600 people,” explained Event Director Bobby Willis.
“We already have a comprehensive number of experienced team leaders and assistants covering all our stages in counties Antrim and Down, as well as the Service Park and Rally HQ at Titanic Belfast and the ceremonial start in Belfast City Centre. However we’re currently seeking up to 200 additional marshals and other volunteers to work alongside our seasoned teams at various locations from Thursday to Easter Saturday.”
Volunteer roles include marshalling at exciting vantage points at each of the Rally’s Special Stages as well as organisational roles at the Rally Service Park and Media Centre in Titanic Quarter, Belfast. Other volunteer opportunities are based at refuel zones in Banbridge and Ballynahinch, the ‘regroup’ centres in Downpatrick, Hillsborough and Banbridge and at time-keeping units at the start and finish of each stage. Organisers have stressed that you don’t need to be a so-called petrol head or motorsport fan, but simply be motivated , enthusiastic and enjoy working with a great team of people who are bringing international motorsport to Northern Ireland
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to get right up close to the action, meet the rally drivers and see all rally in close proximity,” said Bobby Willis. “It also provides people, young and the not so young with a chance to refine management, leadership and life skills. Bottom line, it’s wonderful craic and a great chance to be involved in a world renowned sporting event which will be broadcast to over 10 million television viewers worldwide.”
“We provide an intensive training session just prior to the event and as a thank you, we present all volunteers with a unique 2014 Circuit of Ireland souvenir gift. Volunteers can also continue their involvement with motorsport through the Motorsport Marshalling Partnership, where qualifying volunteers will have the opportunity to experience rallying themselves at a special Marshals Day workshop at Kirkistown race circuit later in the year.”
To be part of the action and to find out more details visit www.circuitofireland.net or call the volunteer hotline 07732 612261.
For up to date information on the 2014 Circuit of Ireland visit http://www.circuitofireland.net/
Follow on Facebook .com/circuitofireland or twitter @CircuitIreland.
Ends
Media contact: Rosemary Allister, JPR Tel 028 9076 0066 or mobile 07880 504928
Editors Notes:
Circuit of Ireland – Key Facts
•17 – 19 April 2014
•Volunteers should be aged 18 and over (though we can accommodate young people age 16+ in specific roles and locations)
•One of 12 rallies in the FIA European Rally Championship Calendar and will be the only round of the FIA ERC to be based in the UK and Ireland
•Will be broadcast by Eurosport – expected to attract 10 million viewers
•Anticipated that the Circuit will generate over £1 million for the local economy
•First held in 1931 and is one of world’s oldest rallies after Rallye Monte-Carlo
•For up to date details visit www.circuitofireland.net
•Entries close 1st April
•Maximum of 130 cars
•The Circuit features the FIA ERC International Rally and the National Rally
•Manufacturers represented will include Peugeot, Ford, Skoda, Citroen, Renault teams plus privateer entries
•Qualifying Stage takes place in Ballycultra Village, Ulster Folk & Transport Museum on Thursday 17 April
•Ceremonial Start in Belfast City Centre
•Spectator Stages in Newtownards (Friday 18 April) and Lisburn (Saturday 19 April)
•Regroup areas: Friday – Downpatrick, Ballynahinch (Montalto Estate). Saturday: Banbridge and Hillsborough
•Service Park located in Titanic Quarter
FIA European Rally Championship 2014 Calendar
01: 31 Int. Jännerrallye, Oberösterreich (Austria) Asphalt/snow 3-5 January 2014
02: Rally Liepāja (Latvia) Gravel/snow 31 January-2 February 2014
03: Acropolis Rally (Greece) Asphalt/gravel 28-30 March 2014
04: Circuit of Ireland Rally (United Kingdom) Asphalt 17-19 April 2014
05: 49th SATA Rallye Açores (Portugal) Gravel 15-17 May 2014
06: Geko Ypres Rally (Belgium) Asphalt 19-21 June 2014
07: auto24 Rally Estonia (Estonia) Gravel 17-19 July 2014
08: Barum Czech Rally Zlín (Czech Republic) Asphalt 29-31 August 2014
09: Cyprus Rally (Cyprus) Asphalt/gravel 19-21 September 2014
10: Sibiu Rally Romania Asphalt 9 -11 October 2014 *
11: Rallye International du Valais (Switzerland) Asphalt/gravel 23-25 October 2014
12: Giru di Corsica-Tour de Corse (France) Asphalt 6-8 November 2014