NAPA Auto Parts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship
The 2025 Ulster Rally promises to deliver another thrilling round of the NAPA Autoparts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, with championship contenders converging on the challenging stages around Newry for what could prove to be a pivotal moment in the season.
2023 Irish Tarmac Rally Champions Callum Devine and Noel O’Sullivan arrive at the Ulster Rally carrying the momentum of three consecutive victories.
However, the Claudy driver still seeks that elusive first Ulster Rally victory, having notched up runner-up finishes in the past two years. With the championship crown within reach, Devine will be determined to conquer the event that has previously eluded him.
Hot on his heels is the in-form David Kelly, who sits 21 points behind in the championship standings. Kelly has been knocking on the door of his maiden rally victory all season, coming tantalizingly close on the Sligo Stages Rally.
The talented driver knows that time is running out to close the gap to Devine, making Ulster Rally a must-win event for his championship aspirations.
Adding intrigue to the Rally2 category are the father and son duo of Declan and Michael Boyle, both piloting Skoda Fabias. Declan finds himself perfectly positioned in the championship fight, sitting just six points behind Kelly and holding a narrow three-point advantage over his son Michael.
Kevin Eves and Chris Melly will be looking to build on their encouraging seventh-place finish in Donegal as they continue their maiden season campaigning a Ford Fiesta Rally2.
International interest comes courtesy of Welsh visitor Osian Pryce, the 2022 British Rally Champion, who will pilot a Hyundai i20 Rally2 on the Ulster stages alongside multiple champion Andy Hayes. Pryce has plenty of Ulster Rally experience, including victory in the Citroen DS3 R3T category back in 2013.
Adding further depth to the Rally2 field is the welcome return of Darren Gass, the 2012 Irish Tarmac Rally Champion, driving a Volkswagen Polo R5.
The Rally4 category promises its own compelling narrative as Kyle McBride, Ben McFall, and Kalum Graffin renew their ITRC 4 rivalry. Championship leader Graffin holds a slender seven-point advantage over West Cork and Donegal Rally4 winner McBride, setting up a fascinating battle between two of Ireland’s most promising young talents.
McEvoy Motorsport & Flat 2 The Hat Modified ITRC
In the two-wheel-drive ranks, local favourite Damian Toner arrives as the man to beat in the modified category alongside co-driver Aodhan Gallagher. Leading the McEvoy Motorsport and Flat 2 The Hat Modified ITRC with a perfect points tally, Toner has yet to drop a single point this season. However, home advantage brings added pressure, and he’ll face stern challenges from John Devlin and Fergal McGuigan.
Adding spice to the two-wheel-drive battle is visitor Stewart Morrison and experienced campaigner Gareth Black, a 2022 ITRC contender who will be familiar with the County Armagh stages. Modified ITRC contenders Anthony O’Brien and Corey Eves also join the fray, ensuring competitive action throughout the field.
Wales Motorsport Fabrication Historic ITRC
The Wales Motorsport Fabrication Historic ITRC category sees John O’Donnell defending his championship lead, holding a 13-point buffer over second-placed Meirion Evans following his Donegal victory. However, Evans has shown his class with maximum points on both the Circuit of Ireland and Rally of the Lakes, proving he has the pace to claim Ulster honours.
The title battle between the BMW M3 and Ford Escort RS1800 crews extends to the co-drivers, with Evans’ right-hand man Anthony O’Sullivan holding a five-point advantage over O’Donnell’s navigator Paddy Robinson.
The historic entry is further strengthened by gravel specialist Ben Friend, who makes the trip to Ulster Rally, while David Armstrong and Andy Johnson add depth to what promises to be a closely contested category.
Paul Browne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering Junior ITRC
Paul Browne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering Junior ITRC leaders Ronan Dorrian and Mickey Joe Browne top the Ulster Rally’s Junior entry ahead of title rivals Darragh Walsh and Gary Lombard. Nine points separate the rivals heading into Irish Tarmac’s penultimate round.
Graham and Trevor Roche line up in a third Honda Civic ahead of a string of Nissan Micras.