Kyle White & Sean Topping entertain the crowds at the famous Hamiltons Folly jump... Photo credit : Sperrins Photography
As the skies clear and the puddles drain away, the committee of both clubs and organisers of the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally would like express our sincere thanks to everyone who supported the event in any way, either on the day or in the weeks leading up to Saturday.
Through the eyes of Raymond Linton our Chief Marshal, "The team of marshals and stage personnel who run this event on the ground are second to none. Saturday morning was wet and foggy, yet they turn up on time, dressed appropriately and ready to go. As we checked each Stage and the Service Park and found the numbers were correct and in place, you can't relax, but you can at least stop holding your breath. These people are unpaid volunteers, who take pride in their hobby and we can't thank them enough."
Our Deputy Clerk of the Course, Brian Crawford said, "competitors travelled from every corner of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland. We have a great team who work away for months pulling this rally together, so we really appreciate it when we see that level of support from competitors.
"The weather made things tricky. We had some slippery patches which caught a few out, but still everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
"To see spectators out in the hedges on a sunny day is lovely, but to see them brave the weather we experienced yesterday, really deserves a mention.
"The coverage from Special Stage was great and the idea for Lisburn City to stream it live to the city centre was fantastic, it went down really well. The media interest grows each year we run this rally, and we have read some great articles and seen some fantastic photos recently. Sometimes we have to pinch ourselves and remember this is our event we're reading about. All that media support allows the event to reach new heights and that support is priceless. Thank you to everyone involved in that side of things."
From the view of our Clerk of the Course, Andy Gilmore.
"I want to thank all of our sponsors and stakeholders. Firstly Carryduff Forklift for their continuing and unwavering support. This is the third running of the event with their title sponsorship and we are hugely grateful for everything they do for us. For Jonny to win the rally and the Northern Ireland Championship is the icing on the cake for the Greer Family and the entire Carryduff Forklift Team. Congratulations to you all.
"I also want to thank Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, for their support and provision of world class facilities to base the rally at Lagan Valley Island and Conference Centre. It was a great opportunity to bring the rally in to the City Centre, and the enthusiasm, support and welcome we received from everyone in the Council is hugely appreciated.
"We are very thankful also to Phillips Volkswagen for the provision of Scrutineering, Parc Ferme and Trailer Park facilities, and provision of a car for safety car duties. Again, the welcome and support we received has been humbling, and we are very grateful for the support.
"To all of our stage sponsors and businesses and individuals who placed adverts in the programme, and provided many elements of support and utilities to the rally, thank you, we couldn’t do it without you."
In Northern Ireland we have for many years been blessed with the ability to close roads for sporting events. Finally from all of us we thank the residents on our stages. None of what we have mentioned above would be possible if it wasn't for the patience and understanding of these people. Our Stage Teams noticed your makeshift grandstands and viewing areas, and we really enjoy watching you embrace the Down Rally each year.
Until next year folks, thank you and stay safe.
click on the results tab above for the final finishing positions...
With entries now closed on the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally, we thought we could take a look at what lies ahead for competitors on 23rd July.
BUCKS HEAD
One of two of this year's stages used previously by Clerk of the Course, Andy Gilmore, on the 2014 ERC Circuit of Ireland. This is a new addition to the Down Rally and the longest Special Stage with almost 9 miles of fast flowing roads with a few tighter lanes for variety! A renowned technical stage, a classic drivers stage.
LOUGH ERNE
5.4 miles of technical and twisty lanes, with 1 mile of open and flowing roads. Lovely open square lefts and rights tease you before another twisty section heading towards the finish.
DRUMAKNOCKEN
This brand new stage first used on the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally in 2018, was so well received by competing crews that it has remained with us heading into the 2022 event. It has a changeable surface with a "billiard table smooth" section heading towards the stage finish.
HAMILTONS FOLLY
This world-famous stage described as "absolutely incredible" back on the 2014 ERC Circuit of Ireland, consists of prime Co. Down rural tarmac roads. A spectator favourite well known for its 'big jump', but it's the challenging mountain roads leading to and from the jump which make it a firm favourite with competitors too.
One of two of this year's stages used previously by Clerk of the Course, Andy Gilmore, on the 2014 ERC Circuit of Ireland. This is a new addition to the Down Rally and the longest Special Stage with almost 9 miles of fast flowing roads with a few tighter lanes for variety! A renowned technical stage, a classic drivers stage.
LOUGH ERNE
5.4 miles of technical and twisty lanes, with 1 mile of open and flowing roads. Lovely open square lefts and rights tease you before another twisty section heading towards the finish.
DRUMAKNOCKEN
This brand new stage first used on the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally in 2018, was so well received by competing crews that it has remained with us heading into the 2022 event. It has a changeable surface with a "billiard table smooth" section heading towards the stage finish.
HAMILTONS FOLLY
This world-famous stage described as "absolutely incredible" back on the 2014 ERC Circuit of Ireland, consists of prime Co. Down rural tarmac roads. A spectator favourite well known for its 'big jump', but it's the challenging mountain roads leading to and from the jump which make it a firm favourite with competitors too.
Just before entries opened we managed to grab a quick word with Clerk of the Course,
Andy Gilmore...
Andy Gilmore...
07 Jun 2022
"We are delighted to be able to open the entries for the next edition of the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally.
"It’s been a 3 year wait, but hopefully it will be worth it for the competitors, as we’ve had plenty of time and opportunity to reassess the event and do our best to make it even more attractive for the crews.
"The stages this year will mix old with new. We have two tests near Hillsborough, the famous Hamiltons Folly, and we are adding another classic which hasn’t been used for many years.
"With two loops of 4 stages, we will have centralised servicing at the new Rally HQ and Service Park at Lagan Valley Island, where there will be lots to do for the crews and their families and supporters.
"We are delighted to welcome back the Protyre Asphalt Championship and the McGrady Insurance Northern Ireland Championship, both of which are going from strength to strength.
"The entries open at 8:00pm tonight and we hope to see you in Lisburn in July!"
We urge competitors to make sure all information has been provided on the entry form and payment details have been included before you send the entry to us.
"We are delighted to be able to open the entries for the next edition of the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally.
"It’s been a 3 year wait, but hopefully it will be worth it for the competitors, as we’ve had plenty of time and opportunity to reassess the event and do our best to make it even more attractive for the crews.
"The stages this year will mix old with new. We have two tests near Hillsborough, the famous Hamiltons Folly, and we are adding another classic which hasn’t been used for many years.
"With two loops of 4 stages, we will have centralised servicing at the new Rally HQ and Service Park at Lagan Valley Island, where there will be lots to do for the crews and their families and supporters.
"We are delighted to welcome back the Protyre Asphalt Championship and the McGrady Insurance Northern Ireland Championship, both of which are going from strength to strength.
"The entries open at 8:00pm tonight and we hope to see you in Lisburn in July!"
We urge competitors to make sure all information has been provided on the entry form and payment details have been included before you send the entry to us.
Down Rally moves base to the heart of Lisburn City....
06 Jun 2022
The Carryduff Forklift Down Rally 2022 is delighted to be back after three years. Due to take place on 23rd July, it has a new base at Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn. Joint organisers of this popular event, Rathfriland Motor Club and Ballynahinch and District Motor Club, welcome the support of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
The Service Park will be located within the Lagan Valley Island complex, and the purpose built Conference Centre situated just across the River Lagan, will not only host the rally headquarters, but also provide a truly striking backdrop.
Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Stephen Martin, said: “I am excited that this great motorsport event is coming to our city. It has been a different few years for everyone including event organisers. It is fantastic news that the council is partnering with the organisers for its return. I look forward to the sounds of engines revving at our civic headquarters and hope everyone is geared up for a great day.”
Alderman Amanda Grehan, Development Committee Chair, speaking about the council’s support of the event, commented: “The council is delighted to support this event through its tourism grants. The hosting of the stages within a 20 mile radius of Lagan Valley Island is great news for spectators and drivers alike.
“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to our area for what promises to be a great motorsport event. I would encourage local businesses to embrace this opportunity to showcase our hospitality and retail offering and to welcome visitors to the city centre.”
Clerk of the Course for the Rally Andy Gilmore added, "I am delighted the rally is located in Lisburn City Centre at the well-known Lagan Valley Island Conference Centre.
“We hugely appreciate the support, help and welcome we have received from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, and we are really looking forward to working closely with them to make the event accessible and enjoyable for all competitors, teams and the general public.
“Rallying has a proud history of taking place in Lisburn City Centre, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to bring it back to the people of Lisburn and beyond.
“The rally will attract competitors and fans from across the UK and Ireland, and we can’t wait for them to experience the Lagan Valley Island and Conference Centre.
“These are fantastic facilities and will help us raise the standard and profile of the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally to new heights."
With the Service Park and Rally HQ at Lagan Valley Island, the rally will also feature four closed road stages in the scenic countryside of County Down, all within a 20 mile radius of Lisburn City Centre. Situated just one mile from the motorway, and twenty minutes’ drive from Belfast docks, the organisers have again worked tirelessly to make the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally as convenient as possible for travelling competitors.
Supplementary regulations for the event are already available online and entries will open at 8pm on Tuesday.
A link to both is available below...
The Carryduff Forklift Down Rally 2022 is delighted to be back after three years. Due to take place on 23rd July, it has a new base at Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn. Joint organisers of this popular event, Rathfriland Motor Club and Ballynahinch and District Motor Club, welcome the support of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
The Service Park will be located within the Lagan Valley Island complex, and the purpose built Conference Centre situated just across the River Lagan, will not only host the rally headquarters, but also provide a truly striking backdrop.
Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Stephen Martin, said: “I am excited that this great motorsport event is coming to our city. It has been a different few years for everyone including event organisers. It is fantastic news that the council is partnering with the organisers for its return. I look forward to the sounds of engines revving at our civic headquarters and hope everyone is geared up for a great day.”
Alderman Amanda Grehan, Development Committee Chair, speaking about the council’s support of the event, commented: “The council is delighted to support this event through its tourism grants. The hosting of the stages within a 20 mile radius of Lagan Valley Island is great news for spectators and drivers alike.
“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to our area for what promises to be a great motorsport event. I would encourage local businesses to embrace this opportunity to showcase our hospitality and retail offering and to welcome visitors to the city centre.”
Clerk of the Course for the Rally Andy Gilmore added, "I am delighted the rally is located in Lisburn City Centre at the well-known Lagan Valley Island Conference Centre.
“We hugely appreciate the support, help and welcome we have received from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, and we are really looking forward to working closely with them to make the event accessible and enjoyable for all competitors, teams and the general public.
“Rallying has a proud history of taking place in Lisburn City Centre, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to bring it back to the people of Lisburn and beyond.
“The rally will attract competitors and fans from across the UK and Ireland, and we can’t wait for them to experience the Lagan Valley Island and Conference Centre.
“These are fantastic facilities and will help us raise the standard and profile of the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally to new heights."
With the Service Park and Rally HQ at Lagan Valley Island, the rally will also feature four closed road stages in the scenic countryside of County Down, all within a 20 mile radius of Lisburn City Centre. Situated just one mile from the motorway, and twenty minutes’ drive from Belfast docks, the organisers have again worked tirelessly to make the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally as convenient as possible for travelling competitors.
Supplementary regulations for the event are already available online and entries will open at 8pm on Tuesday.
A link to both is available below...
Down Rally 2022...
Looks like lots of you are eager to get another look at our beautiful scenery and its been great to hear from so many of you over the past few weeks. Lots of you are wondering when the regulations will be available and when we will be open our entry's. We are busy finalising a few changes from when we last run in 2019 but the countdown has definitely begun!.
Watch out for an update very soon....
Watch out for an update very soon....
Older News...
|
HOST OF ATTRACTIONS AT EIKON SERVICE PARK...The Eikon Exhibition Centre will again host our Service Park where motorsport fans can get up close to some of the latest rallying machinery and watch while mechanics check for damage and prepare the car for the next loop of stages. As the clock ticks down, engineers are under pressure to make decisions on the best set up for the car not to mention tyre choices in our every changeable climate.
Click HERE for full details... |
|
|
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council in the driver's seat...Members of the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally organising team were welcomed to Moira Demesne by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Development Committee Chairman, Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, to mark the council's support of the motorsport event which will be based at the Eikon Exhibition Centre on the outskirts of Lisburn on Saturday 20th July. Click HERE for full story...
|
|
down rally programme stockists list...06 Jun 2019
As well as buying on-line you can also pick up the 2019 Down Rally Official Programme at the following outlets.....Click HERE for full list... |
|
down rally entry list... |
|
volunteers essential for a safe event...21 Jun 2019
As the 20th July draws closer, we are delighted to have a familiar face of Raymond Linton back in our Carryduff Forklift Down Rally team for the second year... Click HERE for the full story... |
|
|
downshire pupils up to speed on rally safety...10 Jun 2019
The weather was a little different this week as we headed off to Hillsborough with members of the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally team and Go Motorsport Regional Development Officer, Jonathan MacDonald. We received an excited welcome from the P6 and P7 pupils at Downshire Primary School this morning. Click HERE for the full story... |
|
|
rain won't put off young down rally fans...04 Jun 2019
Dispite the awful weather, members of the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally team and Go Motorsport Regional Development Officer, Jonathan MacDonald received the warmest welcome at St. Malachys Primary School in Castlewellan... Click HERE for the full story... |
|
THE UNSUNG HEROES BEHIND THE SCENES...30 May 2019
The Carryduff Forklift Down Rally, like so many other sporting events, rely solely on the volunteers who turn up in the day, no matter what our wonderful weather throws at them, and run the event on the ground. Click HERE for the full story... |
|
Down rally entries flow in...25 May 2019
As you can imagine, the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally Team have had a busy week Click HERE for the full story... |
|
down rally challenge for mainland mini's...02 May 2019
With entries opening in less than two weeks, the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally are looking forward to welcoming competitors from a third championship to Northern Ireland... Read the full story HERE |
|
carryduff forklift continue to support the down rally...25 Apr 2019
With preparations well under way for the 2019 event we are delighted to call it the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally for a second consecutive year. The Carryduff based, family run business proved to be a great asset to the 2018 rally and their advice, support, and at times patience, really made the event the success it turned out to be... Read the full story HERE |
|
down rally wins event of the year award...18 Nov 2018
The Carryduff Forklift Down Rally was awarded 'Best Rally in the MSA Asphalt Championship' by BTRDA organisers and competitors. An award we were only too delighted to receive. Our glamorous duo that is our Clerk of Course, Andy Gilmore and Deputy Clerk of Course, Brian Crawford attended the awards ceremony and were delighted to be presented with the distinguished award in Billesley Manor Hotel near Stratford Upon Avon. |
|
two clubs join forces to run carryduff forklift down rally...08 Apr 2018 - The Down Rally will not only take on a new Summer date, running on Saturday 21st July, but will also benefit from having the experience of two well established Motor Clubs at the helm. – Click HERE for more details...
|