Ballymena Showgrounds is set to be the beating heart of August’s Modern Tyres Ulster Rally, as the event relocates north from Newry after seven successful years.
As the main event hub, the state-of-the-art sports stadia will provide the backdrop for the ceremonial start and finish ramp celebrations for the 2026 edition of the event. Rally headquarters, scrutiny, the service park, media centre and fan zone all based here, with access to these free for spectators.
Relocating to Ballymena – the seventh largest town in Northern Ireland – is allowing those planning the two-day closed-road event on the 7/8 August to introduce familiar, and not so familiar stages to the sealed-surface route.
A stellar entry is expected in what is the rally’s golden anniversary year, with teams from the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship (ITRC) being joined by crews from the prestigious FIA European Historic Rally Championship (EHRC) for the first time.
The event is set to feature an eclectic mix of cars, from the very latest Rally2 machinery built by Citroen, Ford, Hyundai, Skoda and Toyota to iconic pre-2000 machines – including Peugeot’s high-revving 306 Maxi and state-of-the-art cars WRC from the last millennium including Ford Escort and Subaru Impreza machines.
Wayne Turkington – the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally Clerk of the Course – said: “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.”
Councillor Jackson Minford – the Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council – said the arrival of the Ulster Rally promised an unforgettable weekend of high-speed action for crews and spectators, while also helping to showcase Northern Ireland’s natural beauty.
“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.”
The Modern Tyres Ulster Rally will be held across Friday 7th to Saturday 8th August 2026 – with more information at www.ulsterrally.com
