The organisers of the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally in their golden anniversary year, are delighted to confirm that the 2026 edition of the event will once again feature as a counting round of the prestigious Irish Tarmac Rally Championship (ITRC) which gets underway this weekend (31st January – 1st February) in Galway. The Northern Ireland Motor Club summer showpiece, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of competitors and fans alike, thanks to its rich history, demanding stages, and reputation for delivering some of the sport’s most memorable battles and moments.
Since its inception in 1976, the Ulster Rally has built a legacy of challenging tarmac tests, passionate support, and world-class competition. Over the decades, it has welcomed legendary names from across Ireland and beyond, each eager to conquer its fast but unforgiving roads. Heroic names such as Eugene Donnelly, Andrew Nesbitt, Bertie Fisher, Craig Breen and Keith Cronin to name but a few have all won the Ulster as well as the coveted crown.
That tradition of excellence continued in 2025 when Callum Devine finally added his name to the Ulster Rally roll of honour, securing his second title and completing a personal milestone by finally ticking the Ulster Rally off his impressive list of major wins. His performance reaffirmed his status as a modern day tarmac titan as well the event’s status as a benchmark for skill and determination within Irish rallying.
Looking ahead to 2026, the rally’s inclusion in the ITRC calendar ensures another year of high-stakes drama as leading crews battle for crucial championship points on some of the most celebrated stages in the country. Could the crown be decided in August in the lanes of Northern Ireland once again?
Clerk of the Course Wayne Turkington expressed his enthusiasm for the year ahead:
“We are thrilled to see the Ulster Rally continue its relationship with the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship for 2026. This event has always been shaped by passion. Passion from our volunteers, our competitors, and the fans who line the stages year after year. The ITRC brings a standard of competition that matches the spirit of the Ulster Rally perfectly, and we look forward to delivering another safe, professionally run, and truly exciting event for the championship and together celebrating the history of the event and series.”
Further details on the 2026 Ulster Rally, including route information, entry openings, and spectator guidance, will be released in the coming months. However, those wishing to express their interest should do so by completing the following form HERE
The 2026 Modern Tyres Ulster Rally also forms a counting round of the FIA European Historic Rally Championship – with the best historic drivers, and most exciting cars dissenting upon the island of Ireland in August.
