The winner of the 2008 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland Brendan Cumiskey will contest the first three rounds of this year’s Irish Tarmac Rally Championship as his prize for securing the title.

Initially, Cumiskey was awarded a supported drive in this month’s Rally Ireland but found the opportunity of spreading his prize over three Irish Championship rounds more appealing. These events include next weekend’s Galway Rally, April’s Circuit of Ireland and the Killarney Rally of the Lakes in May.

Evo Challenge organisers have confirmed that the prize will include: entry fees, fuel, tyres, technical support and accommodation, plus the use of a James Foley Rallysport prepared Lancer Evolution X for the three-day Circuit of Ireland.

“I’m delighted to have been able to swap the prize from a supported drive in Rally Ireland to the first three rounds of the Irish Tarmac Championship”, said Cumiskey. “The support from the Evo Challenge gives me a great boost to the start of the season and, if all goes according to plan, I would also like to contest the remaining rounds of the Irish series as well.”

Series organisers have just released details of the 2009 Evolution Challenge Ireland, the provisional calendar featuring six asphalt events split into nine rounds - the multi-day rallies providing two rounds and therefore increasing point-scoring opportunities. Competitors will count their best six scores. Dates are as follows:

Round Date Event
1 & 2 March 14-15 West Cork Rally 
3 & 4 April 10-12 Circuit of Ireland 
5 May 24 Cavan Stages
6 July 19 ALMC Stages
7 August 9  Stonethrowers Rally
8 & 9 September 12-13 Wexford Rally

Regulations and further details for this year’s Irish Mitsubishi series will be issued later this month.

For more information visit: www.evo-challenge.ie

Brendan Cumiskey’s prize is supported by: Sunoco Racing Fuels, Pirelli tyres, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland, Murray Motorsport and James Foley Rallysport.