The annual awards usually throw up a few surprises but there was an air of predictability at yesterday’s Dunlop Ireland Champions of Motorsport Awards ceremony at the Hilton Dublin Airport Hotel.

Reigning champion Kenny McKinstry heads the entry for tomorrow’s Magic Bullet Rally at the Kirkistown Race Circuit for the beginning of the DGM/Carryduff Forklift Northern Ireland Rally Championship.

THE continuing dispute between Motorsport Ireland and the breakaway group – Kart Ireland — took another twist this week after the governing body opted out of a planned meeting of both parties with the track owners due to take place yesterday.