The National Forestry Rally, Motorsport IrelandNational Forest Rally is a rallying series in the Republic of Ireland. It consists series of events, organized by a different motor club representing the region. The championship is regulated by Motorsport Ireland who are the governing body of Motorsports in the Republic of Ireland.
Seasons
2020
The 2020 calendar includes two changes, round 4 Cavan Forest Rally has been dropped in favor of Sean Conlon Memorial Forestry Rally, and round 7 Lakeland Stages Rally replaced by Bushwhacker Rally. The Moonraker Forest Rally was initially scheduled 18 April, but later rescheduled to 28 March. Limerick Forest Rally on 1 March was postponed on the day due to snowfall, the new date proposed is 18–19 April. On 12 March all motorsports events were postponed in the light of the coronavirus pandemic. On 20 March, Motorsport Ireland issued a statement that all motorsport events are suspended until 1 June 2020. After the government released a road map on easing the Covid-19 restrictions on 6 May, Motorsport Ireland released a statement same day that in line with Phase 4 of this road map the suspension of all motor sports events is extended until the 20 July 2020. Rally events fall under Phase 5 of the guidelines and will not be considered until after the 10 August 2020. On 19 May Motorsport Ireland cancelled the 2020 championship. Clubs might still be able to run events if they wish but it won’t hold championship status. Only the round 1 took place before rounds 2-6 were postponed, and eventually all remaining rounds were cancelled.
The calendar consisted of seven events, with a reserve Bushwhacker Rally on 21 September, which ended up not being included as a championship round. The overall champion: Cathan McCourt, Ford Fiesta R5
The calendar consisted of seven events. Round 4 was pushed forward by two weeks. The overall champion: Josh Moffet, Ford Fiesta R5
Round
Dates
Event
Rally HQ
Organizer
1
3 February
Willie Loughman Forest Rally
Slieverue
Carrick-on-Suir Motor Club
2
4 March
Limerick Forest Rally
Rockchapel
Limerick Motor Club
3
14 April
Moonraker Forest Rally
Ballyvourney
Munster Car Club
4
14 July
Cavan Forest Rally
?
Cavan Motor Club
5
29 July
Jim Walsh Forest Rally
Mallow
Cork Motor Club
6
1 September
Lakeland Stages Rally
Enniskillen
Enniskillen Motor Club
7
22 September
Bushwhacker Rally
Omagh
Omagh Motor Club
Top 10 drivers overall:
Note: # - did not start
2017
The calendar originally consisted of seven events, however round 2 was cancelled. The best 5 results counted towards championship points. The overall champion: Sam Moffet, Ford Fiesta WRC
Round
Dates
Event
Rally HQ
Organizer
1
12 February
Willie Loughman Forest Rally
Slieverue
Carrick-on-Suir Motor Club
2 '
4 March
Sean Conlon Memorial Forestry Rally
Tipperary
Tipperary Car Club
3
8 April
Moonraker Forest Rally
Ballyvourney
Munster Car Club
4
13 May
Donegal Forest Rally
Bundoran
Donegal Motor Club
5
30 July
Jim Walsh Forest Rally
Mallow
Cork Motor Club
6
2 September
Lakeland Stages Rally
Enniskillen
Enniskillen Motor Club
7
23 September
Bushwhacker Rally
Omagh
Omagh Motor Club
Top 10 drivers overall:'''
Note: # - did not start
Sponsors
The main event sponsors are the Coillte - the nationalforestry company, and Valvoline - the overall title sponsor. Other sponsors include: M O’Brien Plant Hire, Suirway Forklifts, Gordon Automotive, Andrew Fanning Motor Factors, Automatic Fire & Integrated Solutions, EARS Motorsport Ireland Ltd, Exact Signs, SVS Productions, Onthepacenote.com, Pat Kerley Windows & Doors, C and M Motors, Modern Tyres.
Broadcasting
The TV coverage is captured by On the Limit Sports. The viewers can view the series on TG4 and RTE Player in Ireland, as well as on satellite channel and Motorsport.tv.
