It’s full throttle for Rally after hitting entry target

The 2020 Corrib Oil Galway International Rally takes place this weekend, after doubts over the running of the event emerged last week due to a lack of entries to make the rally viable at the close of entries.

Galway Motor Club extended the closing date for entries and after a concerted effort to attract sufficient number, it announced on Monday last that the event does go ahead as planned.

Although the quantity is lower than they would have hoped for, the quality is strong and a good weekend of motorsport is promised for the first major rally of the year. As always, the Galway International Rally is the opening round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and the Second Round of the Irish Tarmac Championship.

Indeed, entries have been received from all over Ireland, as well as several overseas entries. The competing teams, their sponsors and crews, and the thousands of spectators that will line the route will bring a welcome early season boost of visitor numbers to Galway City and County.

The event has retained its full weekend format and is expected to generate more than 2,000 bed nights for hotels and guest houses. The rally is estimated to generate approximately €3m of revenue for the local economy.

“Galway Motor Club is indebted to the staff of Galway City and County Councils, An Garda Siochana, Fáilte Ireland, the Road Safety Authority, the Directors and Staff of Corrib Oil, the 300 volunteer marshals from all over Ireland, and most of all the residents along the route for their assistance with temporary road closures to ensure the safe running of the event,” said Clerk of the Course, Gary Leonard.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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