The Lancia Stratos, one
of the most iconic rallying cars of all time, is the
first entry in this year's Donnelly Group Circuit of
Ireland Rally, the legendary Italian machine set to be
reunited with one of rallying's most famous events three
and a half decades on. Reigning BTRDA Rally Champion
Steve Perez has confirmed he will be driving his
distinctive dark blue Lancia Stratos in the National
class as the Circuit celebrates its 80th anniversary.
The Lancia Stratos won the World Rally Championship in
1974, 1975 and again in 1976. Considered to be one of
the most stunning rally cars in the world, the Stratos
first came to the Circuit of Ireland Rally in 1975
driven by Cathal Curley. In the 1976 Circuit, Per-Inge
Walfriddson drove the car to 4th overall, whilst in 1977
rally, the Stratos came second in the hands of Billy
Coleman.
Excited to be taking part in the Circuit former MSA
British Historic Rally Champion Steve Perez said: “I
take part in rallies all over the world with my Kick
Energy rally team, but few rallies can offer the
historical significance and importance that the Circuit
of Ireland can. I hope Rally fans in Ireland and
overseas will be as excited about this year's Circuit as
I am!"
Rally Director, Bobby Willis said: "The Lancia Stratos
is one of the most exotic cars ever to have taken part
in the Circuit. I am thrilled we will be welcoming the
Stratos and Steve Perez to the Circuit of Ireland; I
wish him every success. I am confident this will be a
Circuit to remember with the Lancia Stratos, as well as
many other interesting entries, still to be announced,
thrilling fans."
The 2011 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally in
association with UTV Drive will take place over Easter
Weekend, 23rd and 24th April. Competitors will undertake
16 stages across counties Down, Tyrone, Antrim, Armagh
and Monaghan, starting and finishing the race in Armagh
city centre.
Circuit of Ireland
The Circuit of Ireland
Rally is the second oldest rally in the world. Steeped
in history, many epic battles can be recounted after
almost 80 years of rallying on the Emerald Isle.
Originally known as the Ulster Motor Rally, the event
was first organised in 1931. During those early days, it
was run from multiple starting points, similar to the
Monte Carlo Rally.
Over the years, the event expanded and eventually
transformed into a true 'circuit' of Ireland. The
changes saw a new name for the event - Circuit of
Ireland Rally - and competitors tackled more than 1000
stage miles around the island, in what was a five-day
marathon rally organised by the Ulster Automobile Club.
During those golden years, the event was the longest
tarmac rally in the world, and attracted many world
famous names to Irish shores. The likes of Colin McRae,
Hannu Mikkola and Henri Toivonen are just a few select
names that have graced the 'Circuit' stages. Of course,
there were also the likes of British stars, such as
Russell Brookes and Jimmy McRae, who contested the event
when it was a round of the British Rally Championship.
In fact, McRae still holds the honour of being the most
successful driver to contest the 'Circuit', with seven
victories to his name.
Modern day rallying requires shorter, more compact
events, and the 'Circuit' has moved with the times. The
event now runs with a compact two-day format, but has
retained its prestigious name and remains as a tough
challenge for competitors.
