STOP PRESS: Crash.net Radio spoke exclusively to ANDREW COE on Tuesday to get some details on today's announcement that Scotland will join the IRC in 2009. TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL: CLICK HERE.
Scotland will stage the final round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge next year, it has been confirmed.
The announcement about the event secured by EventScotland - the national events agency working in partnership with Stirling and Perth and Kinross Councils, was made by the First Minister today [Tuesday]. It will run from November 19-21 2009 and will form the centrepiece within the 'Homecoming Scotland 2009' celebrations.
"Scotland's reputation for leading innovation and setting new standards in the motor sport industry makes it an ideal location for the Intercontinental Rally Challenge final," said the Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, the First Minister of Scotland.
"The event will be made even more special as it will be one of the signature events in our Homecoming programme. For 2009 we are inviting Scotland's friends and family to return home to celebrate our strengths and culture.
"Today that invitation is being extended to the countless rally fans and enthusiasts around the world. With dramatic landscapes, warm hospitality and fierce competition – I hope that many will answer the Homecoming rally call."
The Intercontinental Rally Challenge started in 2006 as a new rally series, carrying the endorsement of the
FIA and is closely based on production cars, with 2 litre, normally aspirated engines. This format is designed to attract more manufacturers to the sport and is now supported by Fiat, Honda, Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Volkswagen.
![Andrew Cowan, Rt Hon Alex Salmond, The First Minister of Scotland, David Bogie and Robert Reid at Glasgow Science Centre, where it was confirmed Scotland will host the final round of the IRC in 2009 [Pic credit: Malcolm Mactavish]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/502397.jpg)
