Ulster Rally arrives in Ballymena with free family events as 50th anniversary promises spectacular weekend

David Kelly flew to his first ever ITRC win on the Circuit of Ireland. (PHOTO: D Harrigan Images)

The countdown is on to one of Northern Ireland’s biggest motorsport weekends, with the 50th Modern Tyres Ulster Rally set to bring thousands of competitors, fans and visitors to Ballymena and across County Antrim on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 August.

The landmark anniversary event will feature many of the UK’s and Ireland’s leading rally drivers, iconic closed-road stages through north and mid-Antrim, a new service park in Ballymena, and a programme of free entertainment designed to attract both dedicated rally fans and families.

With Rally HQ and the Service Park based at Ballymena Showgrounds, organisers expect the event to provide a significant boost for the local area while celebrating half a century of one of the province’s best-known sporting events.

Free attractions for spectators

The celebrations begin with Thursday evening’s opening ceremony, where fans can meet drivers, see the rally cars up close and enjoy a range of entertainment including a live DJ, trade stands, exhibitors, rally merchandise and a car show.

Josh Moffett leads the Irish Tarmac Standings heading to the Ulster. (PHOTO: D Harrigan Images)

Throughout Friday and Saturday, spectators can also visit the Regroup at Castle Tower School, Ballymena, where they’ll have further opportunities to experience the atmosphere of the event.

Entry to the Ballymena Showgrounds Service Park and Rally HQ is FREE, allowing visitors to watch mechanics prepare cars between stages while viewing machinery spanning more than four decades of rallying history.

Top drivers prepare for demanding stages

Leading the field is Josh Moffett, driving a Toyota Gazoo Racing Yaris Rally2, as he targets victory over 12 special stages covering around 100 competitive miles.

Among those aiming to challenge him are reigning Irish National Rally Champion Eddie Doherty, Circuit of Ireland Rally winner David Kelly, Desi Henry, Cathan McCourt, Sam Touzel and six-time Northern Ireland Rally Championship winner Jonny Greer, who also returns in a Toyota Gazoo Racing Yaris Rally2.

The iconic BMW M3 will be well represented on the event. (PHOTO: D Harrigan Images)

The rally route includes several of the sport’s most famous Northern Ireland stages, including Glendun, Torr Head and Slemish, all regarded as demanding tests for both drivers and cars.

The Modified category also promises close competition, with County Armagh brothers Jason and Gareth Black bringing their rear-wheel-drive Toyota Starlets into battle against a strong field that includes John Devlin, Declan McNaughton, Camillus Bradley, Geoffrey Dolan and John O’Donnell.

Adding further prestige to this year’s event is its inclusion as a round of the FIA European Historic Rally Championship, bringing a collection of classic rally machinery including BMW E30 M3s, a Ford Escort Cosworth WRC, a Subaru Legacy and a Group A Subaru Impreza to County Antrim.

‘A fitting celebration’

Winners of the first Ulster Rally in 1976, Cahal Curley and Austin Frazer. (PHOTO: Dungannon Motor Club)

Clerk of the Course Wayne Turkington said reaching the rally’s 50th running was a significant milestone.

“Reaching the fiftieth running of the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally is a fantastic milestone, and everyone involved has worked incredibly hard to make this year’s event a fitting celebration.

“We have assembled a challenging route featuring some of the most iconic stages in Irish rallying, attracted a top-class entry across the modern, modified and historic categories, and created a fantastic experience for spectators with our new service park and the Regroup at Castle Tower School.

“Whether you are a lifelong rally fan or attending for the first time, there is something for everyone, and we are looking forward to welcoming thousands of people to Ballymena and the surrounding area for what promises to be a memorable weekend of motorsport.”

How to get rally programmes

Official rally programmes, which include the full route and stage information, are available online at https://ulsterprogramme.web.app/ and digitally via www.ulsterrally.com/home/programme.

Printed programmes can also be purchased from:

• Spar & Service Station, Broughshane

• McCool’s SuperValu, Kells

• Spar, Galgorm

• Motorsport & Spares, Harryville, Ballymena

• Donnelly’s Mace Service Station, Rathkenny

• Race and Rally, Lisburn

• Broomhedge Service Station, Lisburn Road

• Bush Filling Station, Coleraine

• Creightons of Finaghy (Balmoral and Blacks Road)

The FIA Historic Rally Championship heads to Northern Ireland for the first time. (PHOTO: D Harrigan Images)

They will also be available from Rally HQ at Ballymena Showgrounds during rally week at the following times:

• Wednesday: 8.00am–8.00pm

• Thursday: 8.00am–8.00pm

• Friday: 7.00am–9.30pm

• Saturday: 7.00am–8.00pm

Further information, event updates and spectator details are available on the official Ulster Rally website at www.ulsterrally.com.

The event is expected to draw thousands of spectators to Ballymena and surrounding areas, making it one of the largest outdoor sporting events of the year and a major celebration of the Ulster Rally’s 50-year history.