Tralee’s Mark Kane to contest Northern Ireland series opener at Kirkistown on Saturday

Tralee-based co-driver Mark Kane will contest tomorrow’s opening round of The McGrady Insurance Motorsport UK Northern Ireland Rally Championship

The Pacenotes Rally Magazine Kirkistown Stages is organised by North Armagh Motor Club, and is the opening round of the new five-round championship and will feature almost 80 rally cars.

Kane will start at six alongside Cookstown’s Phillip Allen in a Ford Fiesta R5.

They will face opposition from defending champion Stephen Wright in another Fiesta.

Former Circuit of Kerry winner Derek McGarrity is among the main contenders as he targets a record-making ninth N.I. Championship title. He will drive a Skoda Fabia R5 on Saturday

Other contenders include Derek McGeehan in a Mini WRC and Kenny McKinstry who will tackle the event in his Subaru Impreza WRC

His daughter, Emma, will drive the family’s hire car – another Ford Fiesta R5.