Title Chasing Devine Leads Ulster Rally Field in Exciting 47th Modern Tyres Ulster Rally
Devine Leads Ulster Rally Field

Newry is set to ignite with high-octane excitement next weekend as the 47th Modern Tyres Ulster Rally roars into action. The spotlight will be on Callum Devine and his co-driver Noel O’Sullivan, who will have the prestigious role of leading away the 100-plus strong field in their Michelin-shod Skoda Fabia RS Rally2. The Irish duo are eager to test their mettle against the newly revised 2024 route, marking the start of a thrilling day of rallying on Saturday, August 17.
The Ulster Rally’s competitive spirit is palpable, with ten closed-road special stages lined up, totaling over eighty miles of adrenaline-pumping action. Devine, who is in fierce contention for the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship title, will be joined at the front by a formidable lineup of top competitors. Seeding second to fourth are Matt Edwards (M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2), Keith Cronin (M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2), and Josh Moffett (Citroen Racing C3 Rally2).
Keith Cronin, the current championship leader with 73 points, has been dominant this season, but both Matt Edwards and Callum Devine have shown impressive form, with Devine securing consecutive wins in recent rounds. The intensity is expected to escalate as these top contenders battle it out for supremacy.
Not to be overlooked, the rally’s modified class promises a captivating mix of classic and contemporary machinery. Fans will be treated to the sight of iconic Ford Escort Mk2s driven by Frank Kelly, Damian Toner, and others, as well as the nimble Toyota Starlet of Jason Black. Additionally, the Rally4 category features a notable contest among Peugeot 208s, with Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy-backed Aoife Raftery leading the charge against Joseph Kelly, Jack Brennan, and Se Og Martin.
The rally action kicks off with a pair of stages—‘Shinn Bridge 1’ and ‘Banbridge North 1’—before the cars return to Newry for service at Modern Tyres’ Carnbane Industrial Estate. After another set of stages and a regroup at Banbridge Civic Building, the day concludes with a final loop of tests, culminating in the finish ramp ceremony at 5:30pm.
Clerk of the Course Wayne Turkington expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are absolutely delighted with the entry for the 47th running of the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally. The top 10 starters alone is good enough to grace any international rally, with all the main Rally2 manufacturers set to be represented.”
Rally fans are encouraged to check out the official event website or the free Sportity app for details on spectator viewing points, schedules, and the full entry list. With an exceptional roster of competitors and a promising route, the Ulster Rally is set to deliver one of the most exciting events in recent years.