Crews who intend to compete in November’s Ulster International Rally are being urged to submit their entry before the early closing date of next Thursday (October 28).
Once that date has passed, any remaining spaces for the Newry-based Tarmac rally will cost significantly more for drivers and co-drivers, Event Director Richard Swanston has warned.
The closer competitors leave it until the final entry cut-off date to register their interest, the more pressure this places on volunteers due to the “heavy administrative load” this creates, said Swanston. “In order to avoid a situation like that, the earlier we receive paid-for entries, the better,” he added.
“The entry to date is very strong indeed. We have many of the key players from the British and Junior British Rally Championships, including defending champion Matt Edwards, M-Sport Ford test driver Matthew Wilson, and Keith Cronin who’s won the British Rally Championship on four different occasions.
“A strong mix of Irish drivers have also entered, including the newly-crowned Northern Ireland Rally champion Jonathan Greer, FIA European Rally Championship regulars Callum Devine and Cathan McCourt, and Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing Junior driver, Josh McErlean. And then you have Donagh Kelly, who won this event back in 2015 to seal the Irish Tarmac title.”
The final round of the 2021 British Rally Championship, the Modern Tyres-backed Ulster Rally has been pushed back from its traditional August date this year to November, with that decision set to add to the challenge for all concerned.
“As we previously announced, November’s event is sticking with a one-day format and will have a high stage to road mileage ratio,” said Swanston. “However, the date change will see the return of dark stages to the Ulster which is sure to add another element to the rally.”
Those wishing to enter the Ulster Rally can do so by visiting www.rallyscore.net and clicking on ‘Modern Tyres Ulster Rally 2021’ under the website’s ‘Events’ section.
