LIMERICK has been identified as a preferred location to host a stage of the lucrative 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Series, and if successful it would be worth a conservative €100 million to the local economy.
It’s forecast the event would generate serious monies through direct and indirect spending, as well as a value on international media coverage and corporate hospitality.
Around 100,000 live spectators, many of them overseas visitors, would be expected to visit for the championship.
It would involve 1,500 volunteer officials working over the weekend.
Kerry and Waterford are also on a short-list drawn-up by Motorsport Ireland
Our chances are boosted by the necessity of a large service park and media centre, with Limerick Racecourse at Greenmount in Patrickswell considered as an ideal setting.
Aiden Harper, President of Motorsport Ireland, said: “The decision (to select the facility to house the service park and media centre) will be on complete suitability, it will have nothing to do with stages or anything like that.
“Indeed, there may be changes coming in 2025. The first day of a WRC event now has a remote service area and there will be other areas that will benefit from that day. The remote service are is a relatively simple operation, each team is only allowed one vehicle depending on the amount of cars.”
Limerick Motor Club member Richard O’Donoghue said: “I think it’s a no-brainer and would be brilliant for Limerick, and it would be brilliant for Ireland.”
In his video message endorsement, he declared: “Bring the World Rally Championship to Limerick. We are easily the best venue, with the Race Course, just a few hudred metres off a motorway that connects all parts of the country. We are the best people in the World to look after you.”
A venue announcement is likely in the New Year.
Meanwhile, teenager Jake Lynch (Suzuki Swift) was presented with his National Junior Championship for Loose Surface Autocross at the Champions of Irish Motorsport Awards Night in Dublin.
On the local front, the Coláiste na Trócaire (Rathkeale) student received the Piston Trophy from President Barry Tobin at the Limerick Motor Club Awards Function.
