DERRY and Strabane are gearing up for a busy weekend as the John Mulholland Motors Ulster Rally roars into town for two days, August 19-20, when some of the top names in motor sport arrive in the district for a weekend of blistering road action.
It’s the first time the event has been staged in Derry and Strabane and huge crowds are expected to attend what is regarded as the biggest local event in the rallying calendar.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Alderman Hilary McClintock, said the rally would be a fantastic draw for visitors to the city.
“I am delighted that the district is hosting the Ulster Rally this year.
“Road Racing is a massively popular sport here in the North West and we can expect to welcome big numbers for the event which has a dedicated following of supporters who travel far and wide to see some of the very best drivers and cars in action.
“It promises to be a very exciting weekend, and the ideal opportunity to show off the district’s beautiful rural areas.”
Organisers have confirmed that there has been a bumper entry in this year’s event, with over 150 contenders flocking from across Ireland and the UK to compete, including some of the top Championship names.
Among them will be top motorcycle rider Michael Dunlop who is hoping to add a four wheel title to his quota of victories.
The new route promises some fantastic action and with more than 25 R5 and S2000 cars the event will be a real spectacle for racing fans.
The route will take in mainly rural roads but the drivers will head off from the Guildhall Square on Friday, where fans can get a closer look at the cars before the race start.
The rally finishes at Ebrington Square where you can watch them roaring over the line from 6 pm on Saturday.
A number of other vantage points for spectators are located throughout the route and highlighted in the event programme.
The 2016 John Mulholland Motors Ulster Rally gets underway from the Guildhall Square in Derry on Friday 19 with an Autograph Session ahead of the official start at 12:30.
The event will be based at Ebrington Square during the weekend and for more details on the event got to www.ulsterrally.com
You can also listen to all the action live throughout the event, via Rally Radio. The free and easy to use news service will be available through any of the following websites:
Ulster Rally www.ulsterrally.com, John Mullholland Motors www.johnmulhollandmotors.com, MSA BRC www.msabrc.com and TROA www.irishtarmac.com.
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