MONDELLO PARK TO REVERSE ITS RALLYCROSS COURSE
Irish venue set for ‘backwards’ lap
Ireland’s Mondello Park circuit will become the second rallycross venue in the British Isles to run in the opposite direction, following changes to the circuit’s infrastructure to allow it to be run anti-clockwise.
The former British Touring Car Championship venue is currently undergoing groundwork to obtain its circuit license, but work is expected to be finished ahead of the opening round of the series in two weeks.
The start line on the new layout will be in front of the grandstand at the usual first corner, while the ‘new’ first corner onto loose surface has been widened. The conventional first corner has also been widened to suit the new layout and the joker lap will be moved to early in the lap.
Reigning Irish Rallycross champion and Mondello specialist Derek Tohill is one of only a handful of drivers to have experienced the circuit in reverse. “I’ve done it, in a road car, and it was amazing,” said the former European champion. “It’s like we’ve got a new venue. It’s super motivating for the Irish championship.”
The British championship will join the Irish series for a double-header in July.
“I think everybody will want to do the first round on February 5,” added Tohill. “If it works well and we can do what Pembrey did and run two ways in one weekend when the British guys come over, that would be great. It’s a big challenge this way round and the start line in front of the fans will be amazing.”