31/10/06 - The tranquil setting of the Glens of Antrim bursts into life this Saturday as the Pacenotes Northern Ireland Rally Championship returns for the final round of the 2006 series! Suitably called the 'Glens of Antrim Rally', Mid-Antrim Motor Club has attracted more than 80 entries for its popular event.

Listed on the entry with number one against their names, Dungiven's Kevin Lynch and Martin McNicholl have decided to take a back seat this weekend. They sealed the 2006 championship title at round eight, the McGrady Insurance Down Rally, and with seven maximum scores to their names, Lynch has decided to concentrate on his KPL business.

The Dungiven driver's absence allows Glenn Allen to head the field in his Toyota Corolla WRC. He is second overall in the Pacenotes championship standings, and with no threat to his position, the Cookstown man will be aiming to end his year on a high.

Enniskillen's Raymond Johnston and Omagh's Kevin O'Kane are also gearing up for a Glens showdown in their Impreza WRCs, while James Murphy will make the journey from Kilmallock in County Limerick with his Escort WRC. Ballymoney's John McKeown and Ballymena's George Robinson will each have their Escort WRCs in action, and the event has also received a boost from a number of late entries.

Sean Devine and Damien Duffin made a last minute decision to enter after their accident at the Down Rally just two weeks ago. Devine hit a rock on the second stage of the event, ripping a rear wheel off his Subaru. He was able to continue but later parked his car in a ditch after losing all braking power!

Banbridge's Kenny McKinstry will also make a surprise appearance in his Impreza WRC. As a three times winner of the Northern Ireland Championship during the late 80s, as well as a former winner of the Rally of the Glens, McKinstry is no stranger to the County Antrim forests. Recent times have seen him concentrate on his preparation business but he is no slow coach and the County Down man is looking forward to another fling in the forests!

Among the leading production category crews, Neil McCance is seeded at number six in his Lancer but unfortunately the Comber driver is another who has been forced to withdraw. His accident at the Down Rally put paid to any chances of making the start, leaving Cookstown's John McGlaughlin with the honour of heading the Group N field. Maynooth's Peter McCullagh will also have his Lancer in action while newly crowned N.I. production category champion, Stanley Ballantine, starts the event in front of Richard Cathcart.

Superdrive two wheel drive

The battle for two wheel drive honours is wide open with a number of men capable of taking the crown. Antrim's James Kennedy heads the list in his Mark 2 Escort, ahead of Ballymena's Andy Magee and Strabane's Mark Barnett. Paul Ward and Adrian Hetherington also join the fray while Draperstown's Camillus Bradley has also placed an entry!

Based at the Tullyglass Hotel, competitors will face 11 stages totalling 42 stage miles. The first crew is due to leave the County Hall at 9.30am and the champagne finish will take place at approximately 5pm. More information can be found at the official championship website, www.nirally.com.

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