Over 100 rally crews have entered the Ulster International Rally and will be competing on the challenging closed road stages surrounding Banbridge on Saturday 17th August. The event is Organised by the Northern Ireland Motor Club and welcomes the very best drivers from these islands and beyond, including those entered in the Irish Tarmac Championship and European Rally Trophy.
Welcoming the event, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy said,
“We are delighted to support the Northern Ireland Motor Club and welcome the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally to Banbridge. We recognise that hosting major international events like the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally, with its tradition and international reputation, is a fantastic opportunity not only to drive tourism to our borough but to boost our local economy and support local businesses.
I look forward to welcoming the drivers, teams and many visitors to our borough and wish them an enjoyable weekend’s sport. I hope they find time to enjoy the wonderful scenery and hospitality we have to offer.
The public are invited to meet the drivers and get up close to the rally cars over the weekend. The rally starts from the Service Park at the Modern Tyres headquarters in the Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry on Saturday 16 August at 8.30 and return there throughout the day, before the finish and prize distribution at 17.30.
Spectators will be able to see the competitors and cars at close quarters in the Regroup which is being held in the Banbridge Civic Centre between 14,00 and 15.30 on Saturday 17th August. A commentator will interview competitors and keep visitors up to date on the results throughout the afternoon.
The rally is open to spectators for free, but those who do attend are recommended to download the free Rally Programme from the rally website, www.ulsterrall.com. This programme provides information on the competitors and their cars. It also includes a schedule and maps, with details of which stage areas are accessible to the general public. It also provides advice on watching the event while treating private property with respect and how to get a good view of the race without putting yourself at risk.
Wayne Turkington, Clerk of the course of the 2024 Modern Tyres Modern Tyres Ulster Rally, said how much the organisers appreciated the support provided by ABC Council through the International Tourism Events Fund.
“Preparations are well underway and going to plan for what should be one of the highlights of the Northern Ireland motorsport calendar. It is going to be fantastic to have crews from throughout the UK and Ireland resume their friendly rivalry in Banbridge in August to see who will come out on top,” said Turkington.
“Entries for the event have now closed and I am delighted to say that we have a very strong entry of over 100 cars including some of the top crews in Ireland and GB. While as organisers we take every effort to make the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally a success, ultimately it is the crews that make it a spectacle. We hope they all have an enjoyable safe event.”
Visit www.ulsterrally.com to find out more about this event and download a free spectator guide. This will be available from Tuesday 13 August. The Modern Tyres Ulster Rally website and Facebook page will also provide a link to access the video streaming, which will run throughout the event with live coverage, results and commentary; ensuring that the event can be followed anywhere in the world.
