A new-look Northern Ireland Rally Championship has been unveiled by promoters ahead of the 2025 instalment getting underway in March at Bishopscourt in Co Down.
In all, the race to follow Jonny Greer as champion is set to be played out over five rounds, three of which are taking place on closed public roads in Co Down and Co Londonderry.
Championship coordinator Gavin Campbell believes the blend of events will help the series’ popularity grow further among crews – and ensure starter numbers for the year stay high.
Following the curtain-raising Bishopscourt Stages on March 8, the competition heads to the Tour of the Sperrins Rally on April 5 and Maiden City Stages on May 24, the Loughgall Stages on July 5 and finally the Down Rally – which could potentially be a title decider – on July 19 when competitors from the Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship are also in action.
Dates for the Northern Ireland Forest Rally Challenge have also been agreed, and it will also comprise five rounds with two points-scoring opportunities available at the Bushwhacker.
The Fivemiletown Rally, the Lakeland Stages and the Dog Leap Stages complete the calendar.
2025 championship events
1. Saturday 8 Mar 2025 Bishopscourt Stages
2. Saturday 5 Apr 2025 Tour of the Sperrins
3. Saturday 24 May 2025 Maiden City Stages
4. Saturday 5 Jul 2025 Loughgall Stages Rally
5. Saturday 19 Jul 2025 Down Rally
