Entries are now officially open for the 2026 Modern Tyres Ulster Rally, as anticipation continues to build for one of the most significant editions in the event’s history.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the iconic rally will take place on 7–8 August 2026, with competitors and fans set to experience two days of competitive action.
The announcement marks the latest milestone in what has already been a hugely exciting build-up to the landmark event, following a series of major announcements over recent months.
Earlier this year, organisers confirmed that Ballymena will host the eagerly anticipated anniversary edition, with Ballymena Showgrounds serving as the event’s central hub and Service Park throughout the rally weekend. The move represents a major new chapter for the event as it returns to a popular location for Northern Ireland motorsport.
Further momentum followed with confirmation that Modern Tyres will continue as title sponsor for the 2026 event, underlining the company’s long-standing commitment to rallying and support for this historic anniversary year.
The 2026 rally will also hold international significance after securing a coveted place on the FIA European Historic Rally Championship calendar, bringing some of Europe’s finest historic machinery and crews to Northern Ireland. The Ulster Rally’s inclusion of the Pre-2000 category, which is open to cars built between 1993 and 2000, is particularly exciting for rally fans, as this era represents one of the most iconic periods in the sport.
In another major boost, the event will also be a counting round of the iconic Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. As part of the ITRC, the very latest Rally2 machinery from Škoda, Hyundai, Citroën, Toyota and Ford will be joined by their Rally3 and Rally4 counterparts, as well as Modified and Historic entries. With the inclusion of both championships, the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally will once again attract many of the top competitors from across the island of Ireland and Europe.
Clerk of the Course Wayne Turkington said:
“Opening entries is always a hugely important moment for any rally, but there is an extra sense of excitement around the 50th anniversary of the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally.
“To mark our Golden Anniversary, we wanted to deliver something truly special. Our inclusion in the FIA European Historic Rally Championship, has created huge excitement — both locally and internationally. We are expecting one of the strongest, and indeed most diverse, line-ups the rally has seen in many years.”
He added: “The calibre of machinery and crews set to compete will make this year’s event a real spectacle. From the very latest Rally2 cars right through to iconic machines from rallying’s golden era, there will be something for every motorsport fan to enjoy.
“We would encourage competitors across all classes to get their entries submitted as soon as possible. Interest has already been extremely strong, and we are looking forward to welcoming a stellar entry list for what promises to be a landmark edition of the Ulster.”
Competitors can submit their entries from today via:
Further event information, including route details, entry list reveals and spectator information, will be released in the coming months.
