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Tuthill Porsche announces the return of the Porsche 911 to the Circuit of Ireland Rally after almost thirty years away. Currently leading the 2015 FIA R-GT Cup and fresh from a dominant victory on the Monte Carlo Rally, Tuthill’s 911 enters the 2015 Circuit of Ireland, which runs from as a European Rally Championship competitor.
Robert Woodside to drive Tuthill Porsche 911 R-GT
Normally driven by French rally legend and four-time WRC winner, François Delecour, Northern Ireland’s Robert Woodside takes the wheel for three days in April (2-4), alongside regular co-driver, Allan Harryman. Both follow in the footsteps of famous fathers who won the event.
After four stage wins and a trophy for first Irish team in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X on last year’s event, including victory on the famous ‘Hamilton’s Folly’, Robert Woodside relishes the opportunity to bring a proven Porsche winner back to the Circuit of Ireland.
Memories of Rothmans Porsche 911 SC RS
“I grew up watching Porsche 911s winning Irish rallies,” remembers Robert (above). “Who could forget Henri Toivonen and Billy Coleman in the Rothmans Porsche 911s of the 1980s, which Tuthill Porsche had a hand in building. Testing the latest incarnation – Tuthill’s 911 R-GT rally car – on Irish roads earlier this year, it soon became obvious why rally fans across mainland Europe have rejoiced in the car’s WRC appearances to date: it looks terrific and goes like a rocket!
“It’s a delight to bring our Porsche R-GT car back to Ireland,” says Tuthill team boss, Richard Tuthill. “Four decades after the most recent victory for a Porsche 911, we take inspiration from the spirit of Saint Patrick, bringing the excitement of sports cars in rallying to a new generation of rally fans.
“The Circuit of Ireland is one of the world’s greatest rallies, fully deserving of its European Championship status. As Robert and Alan have established a formidable partnership on this challenging event, we’re looking forward to a thrilling three days with the Porsche R-GT at our second home here in Ireland!”
Third Time lucky for Tuthill in Ireland
Richard Tuthill offers special thanks to the ERC organisers, Bobby Willis, Circuit of Ireland Rally Director and to David Gray and the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship committee for their support and encouragement. “It’s third time lucky for Tuthill Porsche in Ireland,” says David. “We tried to bring the car to last year’s Ulster Rally, and then out to Cork, but it was not to be. Having it here for the Circuit will please many Irish rally fans.”
