The penultimate round of the Valvoline Irish Forest Rally Championship and the final round of the CarryduffForklift Northern Ireland Rally Championship dovetail on tomorrow’s Omagh-based McKelvey Bushwhacker Rally that has attracted 100 entries.

For many, the Irish Tarmac Championship (ITC) is at a crossroads; for more, it’s going down a cul de sac and others, it’s on a journey to nowhere.

THE Valvoline Irish Forest Rally Championship could be decided in tomorrow’s Omagh-based Bushwhacker Rally, the penultimate round of both the Irish series and the Hankook Northern Ireland Rally Championship.

WITH the margin for error in both the Dunlop National Rally Championship and the Dulux Trade British series diminishing as both championships near conclusion, this weekend’s Dominic Quinn Body Repairs/Sligo Park Hotel Rally and Rally Isle of Man are of major significance to their respective title protagonists.

CHRIS PATTERSON (41) will be the new partner for Norwegian driver Petter Solberg in the World Rally Championship. Early last month, Phil Mills, Solberg’s regular co-driver, stepped down from his role with the flamboyant Norwegian, who has 152 WRC starts including 13 wins and one world title.

NOT since 1974 has an Irish driver won the British Rally Championship, indeed in the entire history of the BRC, only Billy Coleman has managed to triumph.

Inheriting the lead on today's third stage of the final leg of the Dick Bailey Wexford Rally, last year's winner PJ McGrath (Subaru) went on to net back-to-back victories.

Manx native Mark Higgins and his Letterkenny co driver Rory Kennedy, on board their Group N Subaru, hung on for victory at the Rally Isle of Man today.

MANX born driver, Mark Higgins and his Donegal co-driver, Rory Kennedy, in their Group N Subaru strengthened their grip on Rally Isle of Man through yesterday’s twelve stages.

Another good day for Manx native, Mark Higgins and his Donegal co-driver, Rory Kennedy, in their Group N Subaru, who extended their lead in Rally Isle of Man, a counting round of both the Irish Tarmac and British Rally Championships.

Eugene Donnelly and co-driver, Paul Kiely in their Reid Transport backed S12 Subaru WRC took a facile victory in Rally Isle of Man this afternoon.

Reigning Irish Tarmac champions, Eugene Donnelly and Paul Kiely are in total control of the Rally Isle of Man.

Reigning Pirelli Irish Tarmac champions Eugene Donnelly and Paul Kiely added a new title to their list of event wins on Saturday after holding on to claim Rally Isle of Man, by 24.5 seconds.