Rally Drivers Welcome Return of Top Class Rallying to Downpatrick

Some of Northern Ireland’s leading rally drivers have welcomed the return of top class rallying to Downpatrick this summer.

Excitement is revving up ahead of the Carryduff Forklift Rallye Lecale event on Saturday 25 July which is being organised by the Ballynahinch and District Motor Club, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group.

Downpatrick is hosting a round of the Brown and Brown Northern Ireland Rally Championship with up to 100 drivers expected to compete in the event which will attract rally fans from across Ireland. The summer event will also feature the PRG Trailers Trailertek Micra Challenge.

The main service area will be at the Market Street car parks with the rally starting and finishing in front of the St Patrick Centre, with a number of challenging closed road stages on the outskirts of the town.

During a recent rally event organised by the Ballynahinch Motor Club at Bishopscourt, drivers said they were delighted rallying is returning to Downpatrick this July and thanked Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for supporting the event.

Newtownabbey’s Derek McGarrity, who last raced on local roads three years ago during the Down Rally, said he is looking forward to the Carryduff Forklift Rally Lecale.

“This is a new event on the calendar which means new stages and that is always a good thing for drivers," he said. "Around 15 years ago, I drove on stages around Hamilton's Folly and the Bucks Head during the Circuit of Ireland Rally and everyone knows these, so I'm hoping for new stages and I’m really excited about coming back to Downpatrick.”

Derek added: “It's always good to come to this area and the Ballynahinch Motor Club always runs a fantastic event. I'm really looking forward to July.”

Stuart Biggerstaff said he's pleased there will be a major rally in the Down area this summer, with the Council’s support showing what motorsport can bring to an area.

“There will be lots of spectators which will support local businesses and it’s great that we will be in the middle of Downpatrick,” he said. “At some rallies you are out in the middle of nowhere, but with the Carryduff Forklift Rallye Lecale event, we will be in the heart of the town.”

Stuart added: “The rally is local for me and, hopefully come July, I'm in contention for the Brown and Brown Championship. The drivers have been talking about the rally coming to Downpatrick and are looking forward to it.”

Ballynahinch driver, Seamus Branniff, said he can't wait for the July event.

“Rallying is a sport which is very much family focused,” he said. “It is good to see drivers’ families at these events enjoying themselves and there is always a good atmosphere. It’s brilliant news that the local Council is backing Rallye Lecale which will also support the local economy.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, "There will be a real buzz in the town centre with spectators able to watch all the activity in the service area and some will make their way out to the stages.

“For those who remain, there will be lots to do with the focus on family entertainment and there will be a real buzz about Downpatrick. Excitement is building ahead of Carryduff Forklift Rallye Lecale and I can't wait for the action to start.”