Delight at quality of Ulster Rally 2016 entry list

Michael Dunlop will compete at the Ulster Rally from August 19-20.

Mr Milligan, who heads the team responsible for the move to the Maiden City, is excited by the level of local young talent entered in the Rally, which has also been boosted by the late entry of 13-times TT winner Michael Dunlop in a Ford Escort.

“I’m delighted with the class of entries we have received for this year’s event, which includes more than 25 R5 and S2000 cars, and I know the combination of the British, Irish and Northern Ireland Championship contenders will provide a real spectacle for the fans over the two days,” explained Mr. Milligan.

“Local drivers like Alistair Fisher, Desi Henry, Martin McCormack and Jonny Greer are on the top of their game right now, and we have a few new drivers coming up through the ranks like Callum Devine, William Creighton, Adam Bustard, Kyle White and Marty Gallagher who are really getting noticed this season. They now have a fantastic opportunity to make their mark on home turf.”

Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, at the launch of the John Mulholland Ulster Rally 2016. Included are Gary Milligan, Clerk of the Course, John Mulholland, sponsor, and local club members & competitors.

(Photo: Lorcan Doherty Photography) — Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, at the launch of the John Mulholland Ulster Rally 2016. Included are Gary Milligan, Clerk of the Course, John Mulholland, sponsor, and local club members & competitors. (Photo: Lorcan Doherty Photography)

MSA British Rally Championship leader, Elfyn Evans, will lead the John Mulholland Motors Ulster Rally away from the Guild Hall Square at lunchtime on Friday 19th followed by Irish Tarmac Rally Championship contenders Alistair Fisher and Keith Cronin. Norway’s Fredrik Ahlin makes his debut on the Ulster at No. 4 ahead of David Bogie, Josh Moffett, Desi Henry and Martin McCormack. At number 9 is three times Ulster winner, Garry Jennings, who has entered in a development Mitsubishi Mirage and rounding out the top 10 is Sam Moffett.

Other notable entries in the top 20 include 2010 winner Derek McGarrity, Jonny Greer, Joe McGonigle, Tom Cave and Stephen Wright. Other drivers to look out for include Wesley Patterson, Camillus Bradley and Alistair Cochrane who are expected to be at the head of the 2 wheel drive battle in their Mk II Escorts and spectators can also expect a fantastic battle among the Opel Adam’s of Robert Duggan, Callum Devine and Norways’s Mattias Adielsson. Also keep an eye out for our event sponsor John Mulholland who wheels out his Skoda S2000 on his home event.

This year’s event in its new home with brand new stages promises ultra-close action, and with 140+ entries, there will be cars to please every generation.

The Rally gets underway from the Guild Hall Square with an Autograph Session ahead of the official start at 12.30pm. The event will be based at Ebrington Square during the weekend.