The Dacia Sandero Challenge Cup is heading to Cavan for its third round on May 25. Having begun on March 2, with the Midland Stages Rally, the series is designed to give new entrants an affordable route into motorsport in Ireland.
What's the Sandero Challenge Cup?
Backed by Cedar Motors Dacia, the series is supposed to give competitors an affordable and practical way into rallying. Using the humble Sandero, manufactured between 2013 and 2017, with only a handful of modifications, the competition is intended to be as wallet-friendly as possible.
The 1.2-litre, 16-valve engines and five-speed gearboxes are all standard and completely identical, as is every other aspect of the competing vehicles. Aside from the colours, the cars are all equally matched, and run on 95 octane unleaded pump fuel purchased from a nominated commercial filling station. Even the tyres are standardised, with mandatory Yokohama rubber fitted to every vehicle.
Mechanical changes are few and far between, but the cars are all built with the Dacia Sandero Rally Kit, which is exclusively available through Murray Motorsport and conforms to all current Motorsport Ireland regulations.
Who can compete?
All Motorsport Ireland licensees over the age of 18 can compete, and they all receive branded race suits, branded jackets and branded hats, as well as branded banners and groundsheets. An awning is also included for all entrants.
There are 14 teams participating in the Cavan round, and competitors' cars will be displayed at Dacia dealerships where possible. On May 25, Dacia Sandero Cup competitors' cars will be displayed at Blackstone Motors in Cavan.
In total, there will be seven rounds of the competition, with the final round - the Fastnet Stages Rally - taking place on October 26. Between now and then, the series will visit Ravens Rock, Sligo and Clare, among others.
What has Dacia said?
“Simplicity and reliability are values at the heart of Dacia and we are committed to providing affordable cars to Irish drivers,” said Trevor Toner, the COO of Cedar Motors. “Between a donor car and the rally kit participants should be rallying for around €10,000 and ongoing costs are controlled with standard fuel, road tyres and Dacia parts. This is why we are delighted to support Motorsport Ireland and their ambition to provide affordable motorsport with the Dacia Sandero Challenge Cup, and we are delighted to see the Dacia Rally spirit coming to life in towns around the country at the Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship stages.”