Entries for the eagerly-anticipated Modern Tyres Ulster Rally open today (June 26th) – and those working behind the scenes to make the event happen are predicting another star-studded field.
Many of the quickest drivers in the latest R5 and Rally2 machinery from Citroen and Volkswagen, Ford and Hyundai will share the stages as they battle it out for supremacy on the asphalt classic.
Starter numbers are set to be even bigger this year compared to 10 months ago due to the fact the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally is hosting the closing round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. It also heralds the midpoint of the dual surface Motorsport UK British Rally Championship (BRC).
Therefore, over the weekend of Friday August 18th and Saturday August 19th, spectators of all ages can look forward to seeing Josh Moffett, Callum Devine and Jonathan Greer aim to preserve local honour on home soil against Adrien Fourmaux, Keith Cronin, Callum Black and James Williams.
In addition, the Ulster Rally has joined this year’s new-look FIA European Rally Trophy as part of a re-jigged 20-event schedule – a move that helps to re-enforce the event’s international status.
Unchanged, however, is the backdrop for the 46th instalment of the Northern Ireland Motor Club showpiece as Modern Tyres’ facility in Carnbane Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Newry will once again be the backdrop for all of the service park activity as well as the podium celebrations.
Returning Clerk of the Course Wayne Turkington says preparations are well underway and going to plan for what should be one of the key highlights of the Northern Ireland motorsport calendar.
“It is going to be fantastic to have crews from the two main Championships in the UK and Ireland resume their friendly rivalry in Newry in August to see who will come out on top,” said Turkington.
“We are pleased to announce that entries have now opened and while as a motor club we take every effort to make the Ulster Rally a success, ultimately it is the crews that make it a spectacle. Therefore, I would encourage all competitors to submit their entry as soon as they possibly can.”
He added: “I also want to take this opportunity to thank Modern Tyres for choosing to come on board once again and be title sponsor of the Ulster Rally. Like many large-scale sporting events held here, the Ulster Rally relies on backing to help make it viable and also safeguard its future.”
Supplementary regulations – along with a rally guide for fans planning on making the trip to Newry – will soon be available on the Ulster Rally website and via the Sportity App using code UR2023. Entry registrations, meanwhile, can be made via Rallyscore (www.rallyscore.net).
International Event can be entered HERE
The International Event Regulations can be found HERE
Junior Event can be entered HERE
The Junior Event Regulations can be found HERE