2024 Championship Preview

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Updated: 1 April 2024

The Northern Ireland rally season is closing in with the McGrady Insurance Motorsport UK Northern Ireland Rally Championship starting on February 17 at the traditional Kirkistown Race Circuit
opener under the newly branded Echlinville Distillery Stage Rally, writes William Neill.
The five round series will feature two track-based rallies and three road-closed events, with the overall winner decided by summer. Following North Armagh Motor Club’s opener is the Race & Rally Stages at Bishopscourt on March 9 which is set to feature a revised competitive section on the concrete strip off the main circuit.
Maiden City Stages will switch from the airfield offering at Shackleton to closed road stages and will be followed by the Tour of the Sperrins and Tyrone Stages thanks to both Magherafelt and Cookstown-based clubs.
Based on five events, it will be points from four rounds to count across not only the overall championship but five categories (Junior, Historic, Ladies, 2WD and FIA-spec 2WD) beside 11 classes that form the Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs Ltd organised series. In order to score points both drivers and co-drivers are required to register online, ahead of competing, at www.rallyscore.net.
An extensive media offering will include, at the forefront, a YouTube production following each round, action photography from www.NeillPics.com, Adam Hall on social media duties and William Neill compiling pre and end of rally press releases.
“With the support of our sponsors McGrady Insurance and the organising clubs we are delighted to launch our dedicated YouTube channel @NIRally as part of the best ever promotional package for the championship,” said Co-ordinator Gavin Campbell.
Over 70 entries, including most successful NI champion Derek McGarrity, 2010 title holder Stuart Biggerstaff, and British Rally Championship contender Kyle White in a newly acquired Hyundai i20 R5 have been secured for round one. Jonny Greer will start among the favourites, while on the hunt for a fifth NI title. Entries for round two are now open with details and regulations at www.badmc.co.uk.

McGrady Insurance NI Rally Championship 2024 Calendar

February 17 – Echlinville Distillery Rally (Kirkistown Circuit) – North Armagh Motor Club
March 9 – Race & Rally Stages (Bishopscourt Circuit) – Ballynahinch & District Motor Club
April 27 – Maiden City Stages (closed road) – Maiden City Motor Club
May 18 – GO Tour of the Sperrins (closed road) – Magherafelt & District Motor Club
July 20 – Tyrone Stages (closed road) – Cookstown Motor Club
November 16 – Reserve date (may be used in the event of a cancelled round)

Follow YouTube channel – www.youtube.com/@NIRally
Follow Facebook page – www.facebook.com/nirallying and
www.facebook.com/niforestrallychallenge
Bookmark website – https://www.nirallychampionship.com/

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