The TROA changes are likely to lead to a more competitive championship in 2026 and a greater possibility that the quest for the Fisher Family Trophy will go down to the wire.
In the series just ended, Derry’s Callum Devine, who missed the West Cork Rally (the opening round in the light of the then postponement of the Galway International) went on to wrap up series with four straight wins without having to tackle the final round.
The changes for the 2026 NAPA Auto Parts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship will only allow competitors drop one score from the championship’s seven rounds.
Previously, albeit aside from this year, it was the best five from seven events to count. The new system will be adopted across the International, Modified and Junior categories.
The Historic series, that features eight rounds (including the recent Killarney Historic Rally) will be based on the best six results from its eight-round calendar.
The second change – a key issue – that could well bring the series to the final round is that the last round will, in terms of championship points, have a 1.5 co-efficient.
In addition to the aforementioned changes, the TROA also announced that there will be a controlled fuel policy for registered competitors in its international category. It adds that ELF Racing Fuel will be made available by a dedicated supplier – Euro M-Sport.
Previously, a fuel controversy threatened the sport and led to self-refuelling in a separate area close to or sometimes within the designated service park.
Meanwhile, in the Motor Sport Council section on the Motorsport Ireland website under ADC’s (Actions, Decisions and Communications) – a summary of the September MSC meeting, it was stated that the office (Motorsport Ireland) will ensure the correct paperwork is in place before Euro M-sport are allowed to return to the refuelling zone. Self-refuelling will continue.
