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Antrim Countdown to Toddsleap.com Ulster Rally

25 June 2009

Top local rally drivers Eugene Donnelly and Toni Kelly joined forces today at Junction One International Outlet Shopping Centre to officially launch the 2009 Toddsleap.com Ulster Rally. This year's event takes place on 127 competitive miles and 14 stages in the Antrim and Mid-Ulster regions. Set to kick off early afternoon on Friday 21st August with a ceremonial start at Antrim's historic Barbican Gate, the rally finishes at the same location on Saturday 22nd August.

Originally held in the Antrim area in 1976 when the inaugural Ulster Rally took place, the international event returns to the region for the first time in over 20 years. Rally HQ will be based at the Holiday Inn Express at Junction One and the event's Central Service Park will be located in a section of the outlet shopping complex's extensive car parks. Organisers expect 300 drivers and co-drivers, supported by over 600 service crew, to be competing in 150 rally cars over the two day period.

Ballygawley based multi-activity centre Toddsleap.com is once again backing the race as title sponsor and managing director Benny O'Hanlon said, "As a racing enthusiast this is an event worthy of support - the calibre of drivers racing on our roads makes for a very exciting major spectator event. This is a marvellous showcase for Antrim and beyond."

Leona Barr, centre manager of Junction One who hosted today's launch said, "We're delighted to stage this special launch of the Toddsleap.com Ulster Rally and we're looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world to Junction One during Rally week-end in August."

The international event will attract competitions from the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, the British Rally Championship, the British Rally Challenge and the UK and Irish Mitsubishi Evo Challenge. The Toddsleap.com event also forms a round of both the British and Irish Ford Fiesta ST series and the UK Citroen C2 Cup and Suzuki Swift Sport Cup.

The Toddsleap.com Ulster Rally is expected to attract up to 10,000 spectators from Ireland, the UK and further afield at both the start ramp and throughout each special stage. It's also set to be broadcast on local TV, nationally and on global networks reaching an estimated audience of 30,000 on Rally Week-end.

Clerk of Course Michael Johnston paid tribute to key sponsor Toddsleap.com and partner Antrim Borough Council saying, "It's wonderful to make a fresh start this year with a new start/finish zone and brand new stages which will undoubtedly challenge both old hands and newcomers to the race. This is the second year that Toddsleap.com have been the main sponsor of the Ulster Rally - their passion for the event is awesome and we are delighted to have them on board again."

"In addition to cash funding, Antrim Borough Council have provided support and the use of facilities including the excellent Vanguard Depot for our scrutineering teams. We're also very pleased today to welcome and thank representatives of our many sponsors whose support is especially appreciated in today's difficult economic conditions."

For the first time the organisers are delighted to welcome competitors from the Renault Clio R3 West European Trophy. Explained Michael Johnston, "This has been made possible due to support from the Events Growth Fund and we wish to thank the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure and Sports Minister Gregory Campbell for their invaluable funding support."

"We're also grateful to Junction One for hosting today's launch event and of course for enabling us to create a Central Service Park in the shopping centre's large car park."

Newly elected Deputy Mayor of Antrim Cllr Alan Lawther said he was delighted that the Borough is to play host to such a prestigious sporting spectacular. "It's an honour for Antrim to welcome the Ulster Rally back to the Antrim region. We're looking forward to both local people and international guests sampling the delights of Antrim and enjoying a safe yet thrilling motorsport event. On behalf of the Council I'd like to wish the organisers the very best of luck for August 21st and 22nd and hopefully we'll be blessed with some superb weather."