The Mayo Stages Rally, which will be based in Claremorris this coming weekend, will be worth €500,000 to the local economy according to the Claremorris Chamber of Commerce.
Describing it as a feast of rallying, road safety and free entertainment, chamber president Eugene Waldron said it would give a real boost to the town.
“I understand there is hardly a bed to be had for miles around and hotels or restaurants are reporting a steady stream of bookings. That shows just how big a crowd follows rallying and why this event is so important to Claremorris. This is the second year of a three-year commitment. One of our priorities as a chamber will be to persuade the rally sponsors to continue their association with our town,” said Mr Waldron.
During the weekend the road safety interactive shuttle will make a welcome return to Claremorris as part of the Road Safety Authority’s ongoing campaign aimed at the heart of local communities.
Cornerstone of this programme includes the mobile interactive road safety road show or ‘shuttle’ which comprises full state-of-the-art road safety technology including simulators and multimedia experiences.
Mayo and District Motorsport Club (organisers of the Mayo Stages Rally 2011 ) in association with Fleet Transport Magazine has extended an open invitation to the public to visit the shuttle while it is in Claremorris. Staged alongside it will be a simulated rally car service area, plus a demonstration from the fire service and emergency ambulance service. Members of Mayo and District Motorsport Club will also be present to outline the advantages of becoming involved in motorsport at club level.
The 2011 McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Stages Rally is the first event to feature a major new partnership initiative between the Road Safety Authority (RSA ) and Motorsport Ireland (MI ) which was launched by Jean Todt, president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA ). It is aimed at promoting a message about safe driving, particularly at those aged between 17 and 24 who are most at risk on Irish roads.
