Ulster Rally’s 50th anniversary is coming to Ballymena – here’s everything you need to know

Photo: D Harrigan Images

Ballymena will become the centre of Northern Ireland motorsport next week as the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally celebrates its 50th anniversary with a new home and the return of some of the country’s most famous stages.

For the first time in seven years, the rally has moved north from Newry, with Ballymena Showgrounds serving as the hub for the landmark event on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 August.

The venue will host Rally HQ, the service park, scrutiny, media centre, fan zone and the ceremonial start and finish ramps, giving spectators free access to see the competing cars and teams up close throughout the weekend.

The relocation also allows organisers to bring the event back to roads that have become synonymous with the Ulster Rally over the past five decades.

This year’s route features six closed-road stages, each run twice, across Causeway Coast and Mid & East Antrim, including the iconic Torr Head, Knockboy, Glendun, Tardee, Cairncastle and Slemish stages.

International crews join landmark anniversary

The golden anniversary edition is expected to attract one of the strongest entries in recent years.

Alongside competitors in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, the event will welcome crews from the FIA European Historic Rally Championship for the first time.

Fans can expect to see everything from the latest Rally2 cars built by Citroën, Ford, Hyundai, Škoda and Toyota to legendary historic machinery including the Peugeot 306 Maxi, classic Ford Escort rally cars and iconic Subaru Impreza World Rally Cars.

Opening celebrations begin before competition starts

The celebrations begin on Thursday 6 August with a free opening ceremony at Ballymena Showgrounds.

Leading crews will gather ahead of the competition for an evening featuring the rally cars, driver interviews, a live DJ and official rally merchandise.

During the rally itself, Castle Tower School will host the official regroup on both Friday and Saturday, giving spectators another opportunity to see the cars, meet crews and experience the atmosphere away from the competitive stages.

Also making its Ulster Rally debut is the Girls on Track UK initiative, supported by Motorsport UK, which will hold a special event at Ballymena Showgrounds on Friday to encourage more young women to explore opportunities in motorsport as part of the FIA’s global programme.

Organisers promise memorable anniversary event

Wayne Turkington, Clerk of the Course, said the move to Ballymena had allowed organisers to create a route worthy of the rally’s 50-year milestone.

“This summer’s Ulster Rally will head to Ballymena, with the support of our partners at Mid & East Antrim Council, and title sponsor Modern Tyres.

“The itinerary for Friday 7th and Saturday 8th August has been extensively developed so that it visits many historical areas and special stages, to ensure it meets the high standards we aspire to, and provides an exhilarating challenge for domestic and international crews.”

He added:

“As Clerk of the Course, it’s incredibly rewarding to see months of planning come together. The six stages we’ve selected represent some of the very best roads the Ulster Rally has become famous for over the past 50 years.

“This is a route that will test every crew while providing fantastic opportunities for spectators to experience the unique atmosphere of the event. With Ballymena Showgrounds providing a superb central hub and so many new elements for competitors and fans alike, we’re confident this year’s rally will be one to remember.”

Mayor welcomes return to the borough

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim said the rally would deliver benefits beyond motorsport.

“The return of the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally to Mid & East Antrim is a fantastic endorsement of our borough and the opportunities we offer. We are proud to once again host this iconic event, which showcases not only world-class motorsport but also the very best of our local communities and award-winning hospitality.”

What spectators need to know

The Modern Tyres Ulster Rally takes place from Thursday 6 August to Saturday 8 August 2026, with competitive stages running on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 August.

Ballymena Showgrounds will be open to spectators throughout the event, with free access to the service park, fan zone, media centre area and ceremonial start and finish.

The official rally programme and commemorative 50th anniversary plaque can be ordered online via https://ulsterprogramme.web.app/.

For event information, spectator guidance and the latest updates, visit www.ulsterrally.com.

With international competitors, legendary roads and Ballymena hosting the event’s biggest celebrations in years, organisers are hoping the 50th anniversary edition will mark the beginning of a new chapter for one of Northern Ireland’s most famous sporting events.