Rally enthusiasts will get their first opportunity to see the Subaru World Rally Team in action on Irish soil next month with the announcement today by Subaru Ireland that world championship star Richard Burns is to compete in the first ever International Rally Masters at Punchestown Racecourse on July 28th.
Burns, widely regarded as one of the biggest names in world rallying, is certain to make the new event one of the highest profile motorsport spectacles ever hosted in Ireland. The winner of nine world championship rallies and the title runner-up for the past two seasons, the English driver will compete in the event in a Subaru Impreza WRC2001 which he has campaigned in this year's world series.
Commenting on the news of 30-year old Burns' participation in the International Rally Masters, event director Ronan Morgan admitted: "This is fantastic news. Richard is one of the biggest names in world rallying and on July 28th he will be here, in Ireland, competing against Ireland's best drivers. The Subaru World Rally Team has one of the most impressive set-ups on the World Championship scene. It will look fantastic in the courtyard at Punchestown. Well done to Subaru Ireland for organising to bring the team over and for giving Irish rally followers the chance to see a world team in action."
While Burns is set to be the star of the event he will face strong opposition from two of Ireland's biggest rallying names, Andrew Nesbitt and Austin McHale. Nesbitt, the current Irish tarmac Champion, was the winner of last month's test event held at Punchestown and will be keen to repeat this performance in front of the factory Subaru team in his Subaru Ireland Impreza WRC. Five times Irish rally champion McHale will also be aiming to beat the World Championship visitor in front of the anticipated record crowd expected to flock to the Naas venue.
Driving a Toyota Corolla WRC, the Rathcoole contractor will play a major part in the event as he carries out resurfacing work on the 4Km stage. Run on the services track around the county Kildare racecourse, the forty invited crews will complete six runs, three run in each direction, over the fast asphalt stage. With growing international interest in the event the organisers expect to confirm more high profile international entries in the coming weeks.
Filed by Shane Murray
