More than 100 teams, including four-times winner Eugene Donnelly, will compete in this year’s Colm Quinn BMW Galway International Rally, representing a “significant increase” on last year.
According to organisers, the Galway Motor Club, a capacity entry of 122 teams has been confirmed for the annual event which takes place on February 7 and 8.
Entries have been boosted by the recent sponsorship of the championship by Clonakilty Blackpudding and extensive broadcasting deals - SportsVision will be filming for broadcast on UTV, TG4, Sky and Motors TV during February.
This year’s event will revert to the two day format and as a result it is expected to provide a €5m boost to the local economy.
As always the event begins with the ceremonial start in Eyre Square on Friday February 7 at 8pm, following the afternoon scrutineering of cars at Monaghans Skoda on the Tuam Road from 2pm. These are ideal opportunities to see the rally cars and drivers prior to the start of the competition.
Headquarters for the event is the Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit, Galway. The rally route will cover five closed road stages on Saturday and another eight on Sunday. The rally service park will be in Gort Mart each day. The event concludes on Sunday evening with the ceremonial finish at the Clayton Hotel, Dublin Road, Galway, at approximately 3.30pm.
Admission to all events is free over the weekend.
