International Drivers Sign Up for Rallye Lecale in Downpatrick

There will be a truly international flavour to the forthcoming Carryduff Forklift Rallye Lecale in Downpatrick with drivers from Australia and France confirming their entries to test their skills on local road stages.

As the countdown to the 25 July event continues, preparations for one of Northern Ireland’s premier summer motorsport events are firming up with entries starting to come in.

The rally is a round of the Brown and Brown Northern Ireland Rally Championship with over 100 cars expected to take part in the event being organised by the Ballynahinch and District Motor Club, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “Rally fans from across Ireland and beyond will be coming to Downpatrick for the event which has attracted competitors from Europe and Australia.

“Downpatrick will be a perfect host and the town will be open for business. There are no road closures and there is a real buzz of anticipation ahead of what promises to be a truly spectacular event, providing a golden opportunity to showcase the town and wider Lecale area. We are all so much looking forward to it.”

Cllr Hanna also paid tribute to the organisers and the hard work going behind the scenes by Council staff and others in preparation for the main event.

Brown and Brown’s Fintan McGrady, who is competing in the rally and a member of Ballynahinch Motor Club member, said he is delighted with the support of so many organisations for Carryduff Forklift Rallye Lecale.

“Irish rallying is very popular and unique worldwide and confirmation that drivers from Australia and France will be competing is great news and adds an international dimension to the event. We are delighted how things are progressing and there is so much enthusiasm for this rally,” he continued.

“Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has been very supportive and there is a real buzz around the town. That will only ramp up over the coming weeks and Ballynahinch Motor Club is working away with the support of others and the excitement and anticipation is building.”

Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group Chairperson, Mr Mal McGrady said, “The rally provides the perfect opportunity to promote the town and local businesses who are at the heart of the town’s economy.

“The business community is looking forward to the rally which will increase town centre footfall. On the day, the artisan market will be operating in the car park at the rear of the Grove shopping centre and there is a wide array of places for people to shop, stay, eat and relax and soak up the atmosphere and excitement this high octane motorsport brings with it.”

Mr McGrady said Downpatrick will be very much open for business on the day of the event, with a warm welcome awaiting drivers, service crews and spectators for what promises to be a truly fantastic event.

“A lot of organisations are working hard to deliver the rally and the joined up thinking and co-operation will deliver a spectacular showpiece. Carryduff Forklift Rallye Lecale has all the potential to be the launchpad for future events of this nature in our area with the template now in place to ensure they can be successful,” he added.