Citroen Racing Trophy – Unrivalled Prizes in UK and Irish Rallying!

The Citroen Racing Trophy UK and Ireland championships provide totally unrivalled prize funds in both regions for rally competitors. Never before has a manufacturer offered so much to crews in the UK and Ireland competing in their products, and as the 2012 rally season draws to a close, with just one round in each series remaining, there are superb end of season prizes for the lucky competitors. These are all thanks to the generous support from Citroen Racing, Total and Pirelli.

The CRT UK series is looking ever more likely to go Keith Cronin’s way. The Bantry driver in his DS3 R3, could clock up his third British Rally Championship on the final Trackrod round. He just needs to finish eighth or higher to clinch the British title, and fifth or higher of the CRT Trophy runners to secure a further 5000€ first prize. Indeed since Keith joined the Citroen Trophy on second Bulldog round he’s won a staggering 21,500€ in Citroen Racing prize money! “I suppose from the outset, that’s the main reason why I went the Citroen route, because of the prize money available. It’s definitely a big help, and for someone in my own situation it’s really lightened the load so much this season. For sure the prize money is an incentive on each round, and we also have technical back-up and the media interest in the series, which all helps. The DS3 is a good car, and very quick for a front wheel drive machine.”

So far in 2012, a total of 42,500€ has been awarded to DS3 competitors, and there is a further 11000€ up for grabs on the final round. Also up for grabs is a highly coveted Junior Award for driver’s under 23, which offers a superb 10,000€ towards contesting the final round of the French Rally Championship, the Rally Du Var on 23rd-25th November. Tom Cave, Osian Pryce, James Grint and Desi Henry are all eligible for this superb prize.

The C2 R2 Max, introduced in 2008 will be phased out of the Citroen Racing Trophy Ireland series for 2013, but what a swansong the competitors have had this season! Limerick’s Kevin O’Connor leads the series, and needs to finish fourth or higher on the final Cork 20 round to secure the 3000€ first prize. Kevin has already received some good news, as he has been confirmed the Junior Champion, thus winning the 10,000€ assistance from Citroen Racing and Pirelli Tyre support towards contesting the Rally du Var. “It’s fantastic to get this opportunity to compete in France” commented Kevin. “That will enable us to prepare properly, and even get the engine rebuilt.” Kevin’s three wins, and two second placings have netted him an impressive 12600€ of Citroen prize money to date. “Without that we simply could not have done what we did this season. There is no doubt that it adds an extra incentive to win as you are not just fighting for points. With the effort that Raymond and team put in with the PR, parts and the technical side, it is for me in my position the best championship in Ireland at present.”

Westport driver David Carney still has an outside chance of the CRT Ireland title, and he has amassed 8800€ in Citroen Racing prize money this season from two wins, a second and third place finish to date. With 5800€ available between the top three crews in Cork, and 6000€ amongst the top three championship positions, the 1600cc C2 R2 Max’s will be singing along at full pace right until the final special stage.

So the Trackrod Rally on 29th-30th September and the Cork 20 Rally on 6th-7th October will decide these two great title races, and the race is set to continue for 2013.

For more information on the Citroen Racing Trophy Ireland check out www.citroenracingtrophy.com . You can follow on Twitter @CRtrophy and Facebook www.facebook.com/citroenracngtrophy or contact: Raymond Moore on
00 44 (0) 28 90 384981/ e-mail raymondmoore@charleshurstgroup.co.uk