History 1970s

1974 Benson & Hedges Circuit of Ireland (Ireland/Northern Ireland)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1974 Benson & Hedges Circuit of Ireland

Date: April 12–16, 1974

Host Countries: Ireland / Northern Ireland (UK)

Surface: Mixed Asphalt / Gravel

Total Distance: 622.6 km (competitive)

Total Starters: 85 crews

Total Finishers: 40 crews

The 1974 Circuit of Ireland Rally blended Ireland’s tightest backroads and fastest mountain passes into one of the most varied events on the European calendar. With stages stretching across both the Republic and Northern Ireland, the rally demanded incredible adaptability. Local stars Cathal Curley and Austin Frazer drove flawlessly in their Porsche 911 Carrera RS to secure an emotional victory against stiff international competition.

Route

Mountain Asphalt: Narrow tarmac with blind crests and hairpins through Wicklow and Mourne mountain passes.
Gravel Link Roads: Farm tracks and unsealed paths in the west tested grip and suspension tuning.
Urban Sprint Zones: Fast-paced village sections demanded sharp navigation and precision braking under crowd pressure.

The route circled the island with hundreds of bends, shifting terrain, and unpredictable coastal weather, challenging even the most seasoned WRC drivers.

Intermittent rain and mist rolled across much of the rally, making early morning grip inconsistent and penalizing overconfidence on descents.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Cathal Curley & Austin Frazer · Porsche 911 Carrera RS
2nd Place
Billy Coleman & Mick O'Connell · Ford Escort RS1600
3rd Place
Adrian Boyd & Beatty Crawford · BMW 2002 Ti

Curley’s smooth confidence in the 911 proved unbeatable across Ireland’s diverse terrain, making this win one of the most celebrated domestic triumphs in the rally’s storied history.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Mixed Surface Pacing: Finding the ideal setup and rhythm between tarmac and gravel was critical to stage consistency.
  • Weather Variability: Rainfall changed surface conditions rapidly, especially on mossy or shaded tarmac corners.
  • Long Event Format: Multiple days of competition required sustained focus and exceptional reliability from both crew and machine.

The 1974 Circuit of Ireland combined precision, endurance, and national pride—marking a landmark win for Curley and a major highlight in Porsche’s rallying journey.

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