READY FOR BATTLE: Four-way title fight at the Carryduff Forklift Down Rally!

The Carryduff Forklift Down Rally hosts the final round of the McGrady Insurance Motorsport UK Northern Ireland Rally Championship and it’s all to play for. Four drivers are still in the hunt for the prestigious title with Derek McGarrity (pictured), Joe McGonigle, Aaron McLaughlin and reigning champion Jonny Greer all capable of lifting the crown!

Former champion McGarrity heads the standings after consistently finishing among the top three points scoring positions at the opening four rounds. The Glengormley driver is in the hunt for a record ninth NI Championship title and is in prime position. He moved to the top of the standings after round three’s Maiden City Stages where Jonny Greer, who won the opening two rounds, retired after damaging his Citroen.

Meanwhile, both Joe McGonigle and Aaron McLaughlin are tied in second position, only five points adrift of McGarrity. However, with dropped scores to come into play, both McGonigle and McLaughlin need a maximum score at the Down Rally for either of them to have any hope of championship success.

Finally, Jonny Greer is currently fourth in the standings but perhaps in the strongest position for claiming his third title. The Carryduff driver has won three out of the opening four rounds. His retirement at round three means he has effectively already dropped a score, so a top six finish among the championship registered crews at the Down Rally is all he needs to secure the crown.

However, as the old adage says, to finish first, first you have to finish…and that is never an easy task in rallying! Greer does not need to push hard for the overall spoils this weekend but the challenging nature of the stages will keep him on his toes and anything can happen!

Meanwhile, in the two-wheel-drive category, Alan Smyth has already secured the category title. His victory at round four’s Tyrone Stages put the title beyond doubt but there is still a tussle for second position with a whole host of drivers capable of picking up the award.

In Group N, Kevin Wilson and Seamus Goodfellow are neck and neck on equal points. They both have two wins and two runner-up positions apiece, leaving the Down Rally as the decider!

Check out the championship tables ahead of the event for a full rundown of all classes.

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