BOBBY WILLIS, RALLY NI ORGANISER
Why isn’t Rally Northern Ireland happening in 2021?
“The main issue is the ongoing risk posed by Covid-19. Tourism Northern Ireland recognise that hosting Rally Northern Ireland in 2021 represented a positive opportunity to profile the region globally, and that it would celebrate Northern Ireland’s motor sporting heritage. However, they feel Covid-19 could diminish the substantial economic benefits WRC historically bestows upon its host. Therefore, their investment in the event would not represent the best value for public money at this time.”
How hard was that to accept?
“We must accept the situation. We are not the only event to be defeated by the pandemic and I doubt we will be the last. While it is a devastating blow to our 2021 ambitions, we also need to put into perspective that the world is going through the toughest of tough times.”
What are chances of an event happening in 2022?
“I have worked for the last seven years to get this far, including many sleepless nights, so I’m not giving up. Discussions are underway for a Northern Irish WRC round in 2022 and I firmly believe we have support from Tourism Northern Ireland, WRC Promoter, the FIA and the teams for that to happen. But our first steps must be to find a way to fund the event so it is not so dependent on the public purse.”
Why are you so determined not to give up?
“Rallying in Northern Ireland and throughout the British Isles needs this event to happen. So many people, such as preparation companies and suppliers, have been left with nothing due to Covid-19. They and the whole industry need a big event to believe in and to bring us back to the busy times. You don’t get bigger than the WRC. We owe it to them, to all the volunteers that make this sport happen, not to throw in the towel.”
Do you have a message to the people, many of whom are volunteers, who have been working with you and supporting you on this bid?
“I am incredibly grateful to motorsport friends who have pledged significant funds and the motorsport community for their outstanding support. I am also immensely appreciative to our local authority partners who have been hugely supportive and enthusiastic throughout. A number of other key individuals and stakeholders across Northern Ireland have also contributed very positively to the planning and I would like to extend a massive thank you to them.”