With the 2010 Mayo Stages Rally only a matter of weeks away, excitement is building as the final touches are put in place in the run-up to this year’s event which takes place on the week-end of March 13-14. The rally is one of the biggest sporting attractions in the region each year, attracting many thousands of visitors, and bringing valuable revenue to the region. After a number of very successful years based in Castlebar, it’s all change for 2010, with the rally moving to Claremorris and a new rally headquarters in the McWilliam Park Hotel.
Claremorris businessman Eamonn Walsh is the new clerk of the course for the 2010 rally. Ably assisted by assistant COC Killian Duffy, Eamonn has put together an experienced team to run the event, which is the second round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, and the opening round of the HASS Border Rally Championship. Already entries are flowing in and the advice to competitors hoping to take part in the event is to get their entry forms in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Three challenging stages around the Claremorris region, each run three times, will provide a stern test for competitors, featuring a mixture of brand new stages and others using roads from famous Circuit of Ireland Rallies of years gone by.
The 2010 McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Stages Rally is generating huge interest and support from the local community in Claremorris, with many individuals and businesses working with the rally committee to promote the event. As well as title sponsor The McWilliam Park Hotel, Supermacs and Costcutters have come on board as subsidiary sponsors to the event, while supporting the three stages are T McHugh and Sons of Ballindine, EPS Ballyhaunis and Hillside Service Station in Claremorris.
A host of innovative ideas including a ceremonial start on the Saturday night in Claremorris sponsored by EMP Furniture Manufacturers of Williamstown promises to ensure that the 2010 Mayo Stages Rally will be one of the best yet. Other attractions include the option to win a seat co-driving leading World Rally Championship driver Mads Ostberg who is bringing a Ford Escort mark two to the event, while the Road Safety Authority is bringing its interactive shuttle to Claremorris for the weekend, which will be open to the public as well as providing an interactive educational road safety experience to local schoolchildren.
