The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council said she was delighted that Ulster Rally organisers have again teamed up with local club, Maiden City Motor Club and Council to ensure the return of the prestigious sporting event to city and district.
Speaking at a launch event in Ebrington Square on Wednesday 15th March, the Mayor, who was accompanied by rally stars and race organisers, confirmed the John Mulholland Motors Ulster Rally will take place on the 18th and 19th August and will be returning to the city for its second year and will be sponsored once again by local business, John Mulholland from Campsie. She said, ‘We are here today to officially announce the event which will be centred here at Ebrington Square.
“Having the event in the city last year, during its 40th year celebrations, attracted lots of visitors from not only the UK and Ireland but also from throughout Europe. The feedback was fantastic and I’m delighted that those who participated and attended last year enjoyed our beautiful city and district. Many of those I spoke to following the event had visited here for the first time and left with fond memories of the warm and friendly welcome they received during their stop over.
“Motorsport has a huge following across the North West so this will be a real treat for motoring enthusiasts and spectators. This will be an action packed, fun weekend that will not only see visitors coming to the city but will also be a great opportunity for local supporters to enjoy this world renowned motor sport event on their door step.”
Robert Harkeness, President of the Northern Ireland Motor Club, promoters of the Ulster Rally said they were looking forward to this year’s event in the City; “It’s a great privilege to bring the rally back to Derry/Londonderry for the second year. We had great feedback from the competitors after last year’s event who particularly liked Ebrington as their base for Service Park. Spectators to the stages were some of the largest we had seen in a number of years in 2016 and we expect those to grow this year again.
“The rally takes a lot of organising and it is only possible with the support of Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Maiden City Motor Club, John Mullholland Motors and over 800 volunteers who travel from far and wide. We are looking forward to an exciting set of revised stages in 2017, especially the introduction of the Re-Grouping halts in Strabane Town Centre which will give spectators the opportunity to get up close to the competitors,” Robert continued.
Caption
Officially announcing support from Derry City and Strabane District Council for the return of the John Mulholland Motors Ulster Rally the City is Robert Harkness, President of the NIMC (Northern Ireland Motor Club); the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Alderman Hilary McClintock; Ian Duff, Commercial Manager for Ulster Rally; Eamonn Gallagher, Campsie Karting (and car owner), Gerry O’Doherty, Maiden City Motor Club (who are host club for the rally); Trevor and Hannah McConnell, McConnell Motorsport Car Preparation. The event taking place on 18th and 19th August, will be based in Ebrington Square, Derry with regroup stages in Strabane town centre.