The Donegal International Rally, a cornerstone of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, is set to attract more than 70,000 spectators this weekend.
The three-day tarmac rally covering 270km, the only one of its kind in Ireland and the UK, will see more than 200 crews compete over 20 stages.
Derry driver Callum Devine and his co-driver Kerry man Noel O'Sullivan will be hoping to win the major prize for a third year in a row in a field that includes current European Champion Hayden Paddon and former World Junior Champion William Creighton.
Since its inception in 1972, the event has grown into one of the most respected rallies in Europe backed by a tight knit Irish rally community.
Two-time winner of the two-wheel drive category Kevin Gallagher of KGP Motorsport in Rathmullan, Co Donegal, says that it is the busiest time of the year for his company.
It has provided engines for many competitors.
"There’s huge variation and such good quality in the stages around the Inishowen Peninsula through to Malin Head, Mamore Gap and then around into the Fanad Peninsula; Fanad Head, Knockalla and then on round to Atlantic Drive and Glen. They’re all iconic stages," he said.
Mr Gallagher will compete in the two-wheel drive, class 14 category. This year marks 20 years since he first entered as a competitor in the junior ranks.
"We first competed in 2005, but we haven’t competed every year. It’s a three-day event - there’s a lot more preparation involved than a normal rally to keep your concentration right.
"We live near Knockalla. You learn the stages over the year. The crowds come when there’s a good quality entry. It’s always very busy. It’s very good for the county and it's growing every year," he added.
Those attending the weekend rally are advised to watch from designated safe viewing areas.
Details of road closures across the county can be found at www.donegalcoco.ie/rally
As anticipation builds for the motorsport event, key stakeholders have launched a joint 'Keep the Race in its Place' road safety message.
The campaign supported by Donegal County Council, An Garda Síochána, Donegal Motor Club and local agencies urges all road users to drive with care and responsibility over the rally weekend.
Donegal Motor Club said it is imperative that the road safety message is followed and all road users to drive with care and responsibility over the rally weekend.
Chief Executive of Donegal County Council John G. McLaughlin urged everyone travelling in the area to plan journeys, drive with caution and be mindful of their own and others’ safety.
Garda Inspector Sean McDaid said gardaí priority will be public safety as they have set-in place a major operation for the motorsport event.
"All those attending the rally and visiting Donegal over the weekend are asked to comply with garda directions and to behave with respect and care to other road users.
"Gardaí will be out in force throughout the weekend with a robust operation. Dangerous driving or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated," Inspector McDaid said.
'Massive task'
Clerk of the rally Eamon McGee said the organisation of the rally is "a massive task" in terms of safety.
"We will have 300-400 marshals this weekend. It's a great feeling seeing the competitors crossing the ramp on a Sunday evening and knowing you are part of their enjoyment."
Chairperson of Donegal Motor Sport Brian Brogan says close to 600 people are involved in the running of the event.
He said many people will travel and assist and that the motor club returns the favour for other clubs when they host events.
"Everything we do is voluntarily. It’s a good working ethic. The volunteers are passionate about it and we’re passionate too about our sport."
He said the three-day tarmac event "is spectacular - even in comparison to some global stages".
"It’s the pinnacle of motorsport. Over the years, we have attracted the best competitors from around the world. This year is no exception with top WRC drivers competing."
"I know Donegal is in the north west and it’s isolated, but tourism is massive, a lot of people come back during the year after the rally. They enjoy the hospitality.
"We support motorsport in a safe environment. Hopefully everyone gets home safe and well."
Cross-border safety campaign
This morning on Lifford Bridge, gardaí and the PSNI launched a cross-border safety campaign and a cross-border traffic management plan ahead of the rally.
They are advising those attending the rally to allow plenty time for journeys as there will be road closures over the weekend and high volumes of traffic are anticipated which may also affect public transport.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan of the Donegal Garda Division said additional resources will be in place to ensure the safety of people attending the rally and visiting over the weekend.
This will include increased checkpoints, high-visibility patrols, additional marked and unmarked vehicles, garda motorcyclists and the Garda Air Support Unit.
Chief Superintendent Sheridan said reckless and irresponsible driving on public roads will not be tolerated.
"Our focus is on keeping people safe. Our appeal is simple: keep the race in its place.
"An Garda Síochána will have a highly visible presence across the county over the weekend, with checkpoints, speed enforcement, and patrols targeting dangerous driving, drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone and seat belt offences."
PSNI Superintendent Jonathan Wilson said they will be supporting colleagues in An Garda Síochána so they can help ensure the event is safe.
"We will have extra patrolling from our roads policing resource, as well as local police from Derry city and Strabane, patrolling the main arterial route throughout this weekend."
Chief Inspector Cherith Craig said PSNI officers will be on patrol conducting checks to ensure "everyone on the road is legal, that their vehicles are roadworthy and that everyone is playing their part in keeping our roads safe".
