History 1970s

1975 Benson & Hedges Circuit of Ireland (Ireland)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1975 Benson & Hedges Circuit of Ireland

Date: March 28 – April 1, 1975

Host Country: Ireland

Surface: Asphalt

Total Distance: 911.3 km (competitive)

Total Starters: 130 crews

Total Finishers: 61 crews

The 1975 Circuit of Ireland Rally stood as one of the longest and most challenging tarmac rallies of its era. With its iconic blend of mountainous hairpins, coastal sprints, and narrow village passes, the rally tested endurance as much as outright speed. Irish hero Billy Coleman, with co-driver Paul Phelan, mastered all conditions over five demanding days in their Ford Escort RS1600 Mk I—earning an emotional win in front of roaring home crowds.

Route

Wicklow Mountains: Long climbs and foggy descents with frequent gear changes and technical braking zones.
West Coast Roads: Bumpy and narrow with stone walls and cattle crossings near Galway and Kerry.
Urban Sprints: Tightly marshaled village sections required razor-sharp navigation and crowd awareness.

The 911 km competitive route circled the island, weaving through the Wicklow Mountains, Ulster borderlands, and Kerry’s coastal cliffs—featuring dozens of road surfaces, weather systems, and corner types.

Spring showers made grip unpredictable throughout the rally, adding another layer of challenge as stages dried or soaked mid-run.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Billy Coleman & Paul Phelan · Ford Escort RS1600 Mk I
2nd Place
Adrian Boyd & Derek Boyd · Ford Escort RS1600
3rd Place
Cathal Curley & Austin Frazer · Porsche 911 Carrera RS

Coleman’s iconic win energized Irish rally fans and added to his growing legend, while Ford’s Escort platform reaffirmed its prowess on every kind of road surface.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Variable Weather: Sun, mist, and rain often appeared in a single stage, disrupting tire and suspension plans.
  • Fatigue Factor: The multi-day rally tested driver endurance and vehicle longevity like few others in Europe.
  • Mixed Surfaces: Paved, patched, and moss-lined roads kept crews guessing on corner exit grip.

The 1975 Circuit of Ireland was a rallying marathon—one that demanded courage, composure, and an ironclad car. Billy Coleman gave Irish fans all three in a national moment of triumph.

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