Clock is ticking down to start of Ulster Rally

The countdown is on to the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally, with two days of high-speed action and high calibre competition promised through the lanes of Counties Tyrone and Armagh (15-16th August).

Now in its forty-seventh year, it’s a counting round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, the one-make Nissan Micra Challenge, and the FIA European Rally Trophy (FIA ERT) and for 2025 a candidate event for the FIA European Historic Rally Championship in 2026.

All eyes will be on Callum Devine as he chases a second Irish Tarmac Rally Championship drivers’ title with Noel O’Sullivan, and although a first Ulster Rally victory would be the icing on the cake for the Claudy man, he is not going to have it all his own way. Devine is the undisputed bookies’ favourite to end the Northern Ireland Motor Club event at the top of the timesheets given his recent red-hot form: seeded at number one in his Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, he starts with three consecutive wins under his belt. He triumphed at the traditional Easter weekend Circuit of Ireland Rally, and followed this up with a fourth successive win at the International Rally of the Lakes in Killarney before completing a hat-trick of first-place finishes at June's Donegal International Rally.

Although ending on the top step of the podium come Saturday evening would make reclaiming the Irish Tarmac Championship title extra special, it is not entirely a must but Devine has already spoken of what it would mean to him personally were he to pull it off. “I have finished second there before, so I would love to finally go and win it – that would mean a lot,” said Devine, whose Skoda, like every other car, will sport specially designed door plates as a nod to Modern Tyres celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. “If we can wrap up the title on the Ulster it would be brilliant – but there is a big job in front of us.”

Competition comes in the guise of former British Rally Champion Osian Pryce who is making a first appearance in Rally2 machinery (Hyundai i20 N) this season. 2021 was the Welshman's last Ulster outing and, on that occasion, it ended in disappointment, a trip into a field on the closing miles handing victory – and the British title – to Matt Edwards.

Donegal man David Kelly could also spring a surprise on the Ulster given his recent turn of pace aboard his older generation Volkswagen Polo GTI R5. Kelly has podiumed at both the Circuit and Donegal and climbed to fourth in Killarney before retirement beckoned. Making his ninth start of a busy campaign is England's Neil Roskell (Ford Fiesta Rally2). Despite failing to challenge the Irish hierarchy to date, he still has buckets of speed, as his tally of fourteen podiums in the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship confirms.

Other notable starters include former Irish Tarmac champion Declan Boyle (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) and the returning Darren Gass (Volkswagen Polo GTI R5), as well as Chris Ford (Citroen C3 Rally2) and closed-road specialist Mark Kelly in a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5. Ulster Rally Clerk of the Course, Wayne Turkington, said: “The countdown is well and truly on, and we are proud to welcome a stellar line-up for this year’s Modern Tyres Ulster Rally. “With top-tier talent like Callum Devine, Osian Pryce, Declan Boyle and David Kelly in the mix, fans can expect two days of fierce competition through the lanes of Tyrone and Armagh. As always, the Ulster is about more than just speed – it is about precision, passion, and delivering a top-class event that challenges the best whilst thrilling spectators,” added Turkington.

“As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, it’s a real honour to once again support one of the most iconic events in Irish motorsport.” Rory Byrne, Director, Modern Tyres. “The Modern Tyres Ulster Rally brings together world-class talent, passionate fans, and incredible community spirit – values that have driven our business since day one. We’re proud to play our part in what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of competition.”

The two-day event features over 100 miles of competitive stages, including several challenging night time tests and a world-class - state-of-the-art servicing facility at the Modern Tyres headquarters at the Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry.

New for 2025 will be a regroup on Saturday lunchtime at the bustling Boulevard shopping district allowing shoppers and rally fans the chance to get close to the stars and cars.

Every stage, the service park and the regroup are all free to attend and welcoming for all spectators.

For more information about Modern Tyres and its role in the 2025 Ulster Rally, please visit www.ulsterrally.com.