DERRY City and District Council had the distinction of hosting the flagship event in the local motor sport calendar this weekend.
And Elfyn Evans was the big winner as over 150 competitors and thousands of spectators flocked to the North West for the John Mulholland Motors 2016 Ulster Rally, which celebrated its 40th year.
Evans took the chequered flag at the race finish at Ebrington Square on Saturday evening after two days of ferociously contested high speed racing around local highways and by-ways that had started at Guildhall Square on Friday afternoon.
The Welshman’s Ulster victory was particularly sweet as it saw him complete an International Rally and MSA British Rally Championship double and Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Jim McKeever, was at the finish line to congratulate the winner.
“It was a genuine honour for the Council to host the cream of motor sport over the two days and I’d like to congratulate the race organisers, the rally teams and the supporters who all played a role in making the event a success,” he said.
“The rally proved a great opportunity for local fans to take advantage of this high level event on their doorsteps and it brought significant visitor numbers into our district over the weekend.
“Despite the testing conditions caused by the rain, the drivers put on a great spectacle for local spectators and were generous with their time in signing autographs and having photos taken with fans before Friday’s race start.”
Michael Dunlop, a man more accustomed to racing on two wheels than four, enjoyed a strong showing winning his class and finishing 3rd overall in the National Rally.
Event sponsor, John Mulholland in his Skoda Fabia S2000 enjoyed a good start on Friday but dropped back from 22nd position after a puncture on the third last stage hindered his challenge.
The Ulster Rally is one of a select number of events included in the prestigious MSA British Rally and TROA Irish Tarmac Rally Championships.
For full results and images from the rally see www.ulsterrally.com.
