ENTRIES for the 2015 Todds Leap Ulster Rally, taking place on August 14 and 15, have now closed and a host of Irish and Northern Irish Rally Championship competitors have put their names down to tackle the challenging stages in Fermanagh and Tyrone.
Irish Tarmac Championship leader Donagh Kelly (Ford Focus WRC) made his intentions known early on by being one of the first crews to submit an entry and he was quickly joined by multiple Ulster winner Garry Jennings in his Donegal Rally winning Subaru Impreza.
Monaghan brothers Sam and Josh Moffitt, in a pair of Ford Fiesta WRC’s, have added their names to the list as has past winner Derek McGarrity who returns in his trusty Impreza. They are joined in the top 10 by Joseph McGonigle and Desi Henry in Skoda Fabia S2000’s, Stephen Wright in an R5 version of the Fiesta and Carryduff’s Jonny Greer in the Citroen DS3 R5.
The battle for National Rally honours will be another big attraction on this year’s Ulster Rally with Camillus Bradley, Shane McGirr, Daniel McKenna and Frank Kelly all chasing a podium positions. Joining them will be 2013 National winner Derek McGeehan in his Mini WRC and Scottish visitor Callum Duffy in his rapid Impreza 555.
Gary Milligan, Clerk of the Course said; “This years event has a great line up promising plenty of action but those in the know will also be keeping a very close eye on the race between the 3‘young guns’ at the tail end of the top 20. Rob Duggan, Callum Devine and Jon Armstrong have put in some amazing performances in their 1600cc cars so far this season and the trio are expected to set the stages alight again as they battle for R2 glory.”
Gary continued; “Historic Rally fans will have plenty to watch out for with a list of classic cars sure to put a smile on the faces of car fans, with Porsche’s, Hillman’s, Sunbeam’s, BMW’s, Mini’s and the always popular Escorts already confirmed to display their own particular brand of spectacular stage craft over the weekend of the event.
“Some pretty rapid drivers including overseas visitors Rob Smith, Gareth Lloyd, Ernie Graham and Will Onions join local challengers Dessie Nutt, Stanley Orr, Raymond Johnston and Keith McIvor and as always, the Historic cars will be just as popular as ever.”
The event promises a thrilling weekend of rally action kicking off with the ceremonial start at Castle Coole on Friday August 14 from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. There will be something for all the family with climbing wall, adventure ropes, music and more…
Spectators will also have the chance to get up close and personal with the drivers, cars and crew at the service park at St Angelo Airfield just outside Enniskillen (entry is free of charge).