Circuit expands north in 2016

This year’s Circuit of Ireland has continued to expand its footprint across Northern Ireland, competitively and noncompetitively.

The combination of the Glendun and Torr Head stages into Friday morning’s blockbusting 20-mile Glens test has captured the imagination this year. Away from the stages, the event’s use of facilities such as the Bushmills distillery for a regroup, which follows a passage control on the tree-lined Dark Hedges ensures the Circuit’s word spreads far and wide.

Number one seed and last year’s winner Craig Breen is particularly impressed with the itinerary.

“Bobby [Willis] and his team always take the rally to the people and this year’s no different,” said the Abu Dhabi Total World Rally Team driver. “It’s incredible what they do with the route, but Glendun and Torr Head make this year really special. They have to be two of the best stages in all of Ireland and that’s saying something, we have some pretty good roads over here!

“Joining these two stages together is fantastic. They’re both quite different in nature, with Glendun coming over the moorland, it’s a relentless stretch of road and you’re then onto the coast road on Torr Head. It’s going to be a pitiless stage, but an absolute classic. I can’t wait! And the next day we’re over Hamilton’s Folly twice, these are the reasons this rally is unmissable as far as I’m concerned.”