Press Release 1 - WESTLODGE HOTEL FASTNET STAGES RALLY SET FOR EXCITING 2025 SEASON
Posted: September 3, 2025 10:08 AM
The countdown is on for the Season Finale with the Westlodge Hotel Fastnet Stages Rally returning to Bantry, West Cork,
for the October Bank Holiday Weekend spectacular that has proven a favourite of crews and spectators alike over the
years.
With a renewed commitment from the Westlodge Hotel as title sponsor, Mark Phelan takes on the role of Clerk of the
Course for the 2025 edition of the event, bringing extensive motorsport experience to the role as the event builds on its
established reputation as one of Ireland's premier one-day rallies.
"The team has been working incredibly hard behind the scenes preparing for this year's event. We have some exciting
announcements coming as we get closer to October, and I'm confident competitors and spectators will see the benefit of
all our planning."
Robust Sponsor Partnership Base
The 2025 event benefits from strong support, with title sponsor The Westlodge Hotel continuing their valuable partnership
for another year. The rally's growing profile has attracted several new sponsors to join the established supporter base.
New partners joining the event include Drinagh Co-op, Cork County Council, Fáilte Éireann, and Pure Cork, who
complement long-standing supporters including Bantry Business Association and other established rally partners.
"The expanded sponsor base reflects the confidence businesses have in our event and its positive impact on the West
Cork region," Phelan explained. "Each partner brings valuable support that helps us deliver a quality experience for
everyone involved."
The rally's economic impact extends throughout the local hospitality and retail sectors, with competitors, teams,
spectators and officials contributing significantly to the Bantry area economy during the event weekend.
Event Format and Details
The 2025 Westlodge Hotel Fastnet Stages Rally will feature three classic stages covering ~105 stage kilometres,
maintaining the compact format that has proven popular with both competitors and spectators. The challenging stages
showcase some of the best of West Cork's rally terrain while the centralised service location ensures excellent value and
accessibility for competitors and spectators alike.
"We're committed to delivering genuine competitive value and a return to the element of fun," Phelan emphasised.
"Competitors get ~105 kilometres of quality stage action with minimal travel between stages, while spectators can see
multiple stages time from a single base - it's excellent for everyone involved."
The event includes a €2,500 prize fund for the 1600 Challenge, continuing the rally's commitment to supporting grassroots
motorsport participation. The competitive field typically attracts both seasoned campaigners and emerging talent,
creating exciting battles throughout the field.
The rally proudly forms part of several major championship series, including the Triton National Rally Championship, GK
Print Southern 4 Rally Championship, Top Part West Coast Championship, MIJRS, and Dacia Sandero Cup, ensuring strong
competition across multiple categories.
Volunteer Army Makes It Happen
The rally's success depends entirely on the dedication of volunteer marshals who travel from every corner of Ireland to
make the event possible. These motorsport enthusiasts give up their weekend to ensure competitor safety and smooth
event operations, representing one of the most impressive volunteer efforts in Irish motorsport.
"We have marshals who travel from all over Ireland and some from overseas. Many of these have been coming for
decades," Phelan explained. "Without their commitment and support, events like ours simply couldn't happen. They're the
unsung heroes of Irish rallying, and we can never thank them enough for their dedication."
The volunteer network includes experienced marshals, radio operators, timekeepers, and safety crews, many of whom
follow the rally calendar throughout Ireland, bringing their skills from event to event. Their contribution extends far beyond
the weekend itself, with many involved in pre-event planning and post-event activities.
"These volunteers are passionate about motorsport and understand what it takes to run a safe, successful event," Phelan
added. "They form friendships that last years and create a community spirit that's at the heart of Irish rallying."
Planning and Preparation
Preparations for the event are well advanced, with the organising team coordinating with local authorities, landowners,
and emergency services to ensure smooth operations. The October Bank Holiday Weekend timing ensures maximum
participation opportunities for competitors while providing a significant boost to local tourism during the shoulder season.
And remember The Fastnet Rally motto – Come for the Rally, Stay for the craic!
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