Motorsport: Toshiba Championship to consist of eight rounds
The 2002 Toshiba Computers Irish Tarmac Championship will consist of eight rounds - four of which are within the jurisdiction of Motorsport Ireland and the rest under the auspices of the Motor Sport Association (MSA) its British counterpart.
The series, launched today at the Clarity Computer Distribution Centre in Dublin, starts with the Circuit
of Ireland at Easter.
It has, for the very first time, an event in Scotland. The Jim Clark Rally in the border area of Duns, is
the only closed road event in mainland Britain, the Manx Rally is also part of the championship.
Last season, the series was cancelled due to the Foot and Mouth epidemic and there is renewed enthusiasm about the championship that will feature some 15 World Rally Cars - the largest outside the World Rally Championship
Reigning champion, Andrew Nesbitt is awaiting delivery of a Prodrive built Subaru WRC for his title defence against the likes of Austin McHale (Toyota Corolla WRC), who has won the championship a record five times.
Another former champion, Tipperary’s, Frank Meagher (Ford Focus) along with Wexford’s, Eamonn Boland (Subaru WRC), Daniel Doherty and Derek McGarrity in similar cars, are also amongst the championship contenders.
Three of the events, the Jim Clark, Manx and Ulster rallies also form part of the British Rally
Championship prompting Austin McHale to make a bold bid for both championships. Eamonn Boland could also follow a similar route.
Championship Dates:
Circuit of Ireland (March 29-April 1)
Killarney Rally of the Lakes, (May 4-5)
Donegal International Rally, (June 21-23)
Jim Clark Memorial Rally (July 12-13)
Manx International Rally (August 1-3)
Ulster Rally (September 6-7)
Cork "20" International (October 5-6)
West 2002, Galway, (November 8-9)
