Rally returns
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Mayor of Antrim, Councillor Pam Lewis welcomed Tourism Minister Arlene Foster to Junction 1 in Antrim for the launch of the Ulster Rally. Pictured with Robert Barrable and Drew Wylie, Leona Barr, manager of Junction One, and Benny O’Hanlon.
THE Mayor of Antrim, Pam Lewis, has welcomed the Ulster Rally back to Antrim this year.
Originally held in the Antrim area in 1976 when the inaugural Ulster Rally took place, the international event returns to the region once again after last year's successful event, which was voted Best British International Rally.
Mrs Lewis said: "It's an honour to welcome the Ulster Rally back to the Antrim region. We're looking forward to both local people and international guests sampling the delights of Antrim and enjoying a safe yet thrilling motorsport event.
The organisers expect 350 drivers and co-drivers, supported by over 600 service crew to be competing in up to 175 rally cars over the two-day event.
The Toddsleap.com Ulster Rally is expected to attract up to 10,000 spectators from Ireland, the UK and further afield at both the start ramp and throughout each special stage.
Tourism minister, Arlene Foster helped launch the rally which will be hosted by Junction One.
She said: "Events like the Ulster Rally really help to build the reputation of Northern Ireland as an excellent location for regional and international events, which provide the opportunity to showcase the region as a top class tourist destination."
She also spoke of the benefits for the Antrim area in particular, "This in turn brings considerable economic benefits. Evaluation of last year's event indicated an injection of over £1million to the Antrim area."
In a first for Ulster Rally organisers, the historic event is one of eight rounds of the 2010 Dunlop/Wonago.com MSA British Historic Rally Championship and will feature a range of 1960's and 70's cars.
The 2010 Toddsleap.com Ulster Rally encompasses 127 competitive miles, 300 road miles and 14 stages in the Antrim and Mid-Ulster regions. 2009 MSA British Historic Rally champions and local competitors Dessie Nutt and Geraldine McBride are currently second overall after four rounds of this year's event.
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