MOTOR SPORT NEWSIN A SURPRISE development, Rally Ireland co-founders Seán O'Connor and Ronan Morgan will stand down from the promotion and management of Ireland's World Rally Championship (WRC) round at the end of this month.

The two Dubliners, who have more than 60 years WRC experience between them, started the North-South event in 2004 at the request of both governments.

On completion of a feasibility study, a pilot WRC event was organised in October 2005, followed by an official WRC candidate rally in 2006. Despite massive competition from larger countries, the bid proved successful and Rally Ireland made its debut last November. Starting in Belfast and finishing in Sligo, it was widely acclaimed as one of the best events of the 2007 WRC.

Meanwhile, with no WRC cars allowed, rallying returns to its grassroots in Sunday's stages rally run out of Dungarvan, Co Waterford, by the Carrick-On-Suir Motor Club. A Tarmac Trophy Challenge will be introduced for modified cars in the national rallies run in conjunction with the six Irish rounds of the tarmac series. Competitors will count their best six scores from eight counting rather than the best seven system. WEEKEND FIXTURES Saturday: Laois Rallysport Club, Autocross, Togher, Portlaoise, 2pm. Sunday: Kerry MC, Autotest, Tralee Racecourse, 10.30am; Carrick-on-Suir MC stages rally, starts Dungarvan, Co Waterford, 10.30am; Tipperary LC MCC, 4x4 Trial, Gortdrum, Solohead, Co Tipperary, 11am; Connacht MC, Rallysprint, Hazelwood, Sligo, 11.15am; Laois Rallysport Club autocross, Togher, Portlaoise, 11.30am; MRCCI midget car racing, Bohernabreena, 2pm.