Why is the IRC seen as inferior to the WRC?

[Charlie Foxtrot]

More rounds, proper night stages. Excellent sounding cars that slide and lots of different cars. Yet it doesn't get the "coverage" that WRC gets, it doesn't get the annual highlights DVD that WRC gets and I really want.

In my opinion, and that of others I have read on here, it is the better formula yet it is still perceived as an inferior series, a stepping stone to the WRC. Why?

[Allyc85]

Because most of the drivers arnt quite at the same level.
The entry list varies too much from event to event.
The gaps in the field can be huge.
And basically because it dosnt have much of a history yet compared to the wrc.

Granted the varied format of the rallys is great as is the live TV coverage but it needs a few more years yet to get to the same level IMO.

[Emeye]

Well if WRC is going to the ESPN subscription channel, I'll be watching IRC for the first time this year and not WRC - I only found out about IRC late last year which I thought was strange as I love rally - maybe the marketing of IRC hasn't been strong enough?

[anonymous-user]

Emeye said:

Well if WRC is going to the ESPN subscription channel, I'll be watching IRC for the first time this year and not WRC - I only found out about IRC late last year which I thought was strange as I love rally - maybe the marketing of IRC hasn't been strong enough?

This might sound a bit off, but isnt meant to be, but surely you have seen the ads for peugeot's 207 with chris meeke??

[interloper]

Allyc85 said:

Because most of the drivers arnt quite at the same level. No Loeb, surely that's a good thing?!
The entry list varies too much from event to event. Just like the good old days of WRC!
The gaps in the field can be huge. As above!
And basically because it dosnt have much of a history yet compared to the wrc.

Granted the varied format of the rallys is great as is the live TV coverage but it needs a few more years yet to get to the same level IMO. Can't really argue with that

I caught some of the IRC coverage last year, the Monte was predictably excellent and a world away from current WRC coverage. Its odd I hope the WRC improves and picks up more manufacturers but I really like the IRC and want it to gain the attention and following it deserves.

[anonymous-user]

Next Wednesday the entire first day of the IRC Monte Carlo rally is live on Eurosport. You dont get that with WRC

[m8rky]

IRC is truly excellent,the action from Ypres last couple of years has been awesome.

[Emeye]

snowy slopes said:

Emeye said:

Well if WRC is going to the ESPN subscription channel, I'll be watching IRC for the first time this year and not WRC - I only found out about IRC late last year which I thought was strange as I love rally - maybe the marketing of IRC hasn't been strong enough?

This might sound a bit off, but isnt meant to be, but surely you have seen the ads for peugeot's 207 with chris meeke??

I think that is what made me aware of the IRC. TBH I've been very busy doing other stuff over the last year, but still I think it needs more publicity.

[Allyc85]

Emeye said:

snowy slopes said:

Emeye said:

Well if WRC is going to the ESPN subscription channel, I'll be watching IRC for the first time this year and not WRC - I only found out about IRC late last year which I thought was strange as I love rally - maybe the marketing of IRC hasn't been strong enough?

This might sound a bit off, but isnt meant to be, but surely you have seen the ads for peugeot's 207 with chris meeke??

I think that is what made me aware of the IRC. TBH I've been very busy doing other stuff over the last year, but still I think it needs more publicity.

Agreed. looking at the latest Fabia VRS advert you wouldnt have a clue they had won an international championship unless you had watched it, and thats why I thought manufacturers entered into motorsport?!