The R Kings Down Rally hits top gear into summer as Rathfriland Motor Club hosts the final round of the Brown & Brown Northern Ireland Rally Championship and round 5 of the Protyre UK Asphalt Championship.
Set beneath the scenic backdrop of the Mourne Mountain range the rally kicks off with the vibrant Friday night Fan Zone (July 18th) at the Rally Host, The Boulevard Banbridge.
The Fan Zone will be live from 7:00pm and run until 9:00pm, giving visitors, passing shoppers and families two full hours to explore the display of rally cars, meet the drivers, listen to the Live interviews and take the opportunity to grab photos and soak in the atmosphere before the real action starts on Saturday morning.
Over 100 crews from across the UK and Ireland will tackle the County Down tarmac roads and drivers will face eight challenging and gruelling stages including the famous Hamilton’s Folly test.
Among the past winners who have entered is 2023 Down Rally victor Cathan McCourt at number 1. He’ll be partnered with Barry McNulty in the Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2 car. Of course, there are other local and former rally champions in the mix.
Two-time Down Rally Winner and four-time NI Rally Champion Jonny Greer, despite having mixed fortunes during his 2025 campaign, will be wanting to stamp his authority in his new Toyota Yaris 2 as Niall Burns will be calling the notes in the Japanese car and he will start at number 2 followed by Down Rally regular Joe McGonigle in his Citroen C3 at number 3.
Additionally, we cannot forget the newly crowned Northern Ireland Rally Champions Aaron McLaughlin & Darren Curran as they will be looking to end their fantastic season on a high in there Volkswagen Polo Rally2 after taking the title at Loughgall Rally nearly two weeks ago.
Among the visiting Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship contenders will be recent Argyll Rally winner Sam Touzel who makes the trip from Jersey, Neil Roskell and Mark Kelly.
Keep an eye on local home favourites Stuart Biggerstaff, Emma McKinstry & co-driver Ben Teggart (Ford Fiesta Rally 2), John Devlin (Ford Escort MK2) to name but of few of homegrown based drivers competing in the event.
It all kicks off on Saturday July 19th from the Boulevard just before 9am. The cars will return to he shopping outlet at 10:30am and again at 1:30pm with the winners expected to spray the champagne just after 5pm.
