Ballykelly's Shackleton venue gets revved up for commencement of RSA Winter Championships

Round One of the 2026/7 Championship will take place on Saturday, November 7, with more than 140 competitors from all over Ireland enjoying close competitive racing.

Sixteen classes will participate in an array of rally machinery which will include the seriously fast European Crosskarts that the RSA introduced to Ireland for competition in 2010 with motorcycle race engines 600 -1000cc capable of speeds well in excess of 130mph.

There will be a grid of World Rally specification cars with R1, R5, R4 & R2 Ford Fiestas, Hyundai, VWs and Skodas. Also on the menu will be phenomenal Mk1 and Mk2 Escorts together with high octane performance Toyotas and Peugeots in the rear-wheel-drive classes, delivering some serious ‘sideways’ action.

The four-wheel drive turbo cars of Mitsubishi and Subaru will feature on the top leaderboard as the events progress. Spectators can enjoy the close competitive action in the front wheel drive classes predominant with high revving Honda Civics and Toyotas all competing for class honours.

RWD RX Mazda class will also add to the entertainment and, together with the Mini Cup class in Coopers for Adults, including Ladies and Junior drivers from 12 years to 17, will always present another twist in the day.

There will be 1000cc Micras, Citroens and Toyotas where some of the current front runners in World, European, UK and Irish Rallying developed their formative years with RSA.

Gates will open at 6.30am and early visitors can enjoy the event build up to the day and can plan for the ‘best seat in the house’ at this superb venue. The unique RSA event formula has become very popular with competitors and spectators alike due to the non-stop high-speed action from the wide range of high-quality Rally cars and the phenomenally fast motorcycle race specification engined Crosskarts.

Local talent will include the Antrim based Grant Commercials Team including Lydia Grant in her Mini Cup car with Gary, Gavin and Adrian Grant in Ford Escorts.

Local hauler Gary Lyons from Moira will also be competing in his Rally 2 Fiesta against some seriously fast competitors from all parts of Ireland including past and present front runners in Irish rallying in exotic high-performance cars enjoying their winter break from their exploits on the Irish, British, European and World Championship events.

The full entry list with all details is available at www.therallysportassociation.com

Spectators are welcomed from 9am and early risers will enjoy free access to the drivers’ service area and will be able to experience first-hand the pre-event preparation, car scrutineering, the general competitor/organisation and competitors’ build up to the event which commences at 10am.

With adult admission only £15, junior admission £5 and under twelves and seniors enjoying a free entry, what better excuse to get outside and enjoy a superb Saturday with family and friends.

For additional information, the developing driver entry list and previous video event highlights visit www.therallysportassociation.com