Ring and Deasy launch European Historic Rally title bid
Killarney’s Alan Ring is set to embark on his most ambitious international campaign to date, committing to the full 2026 FIA European Historic Rally Championship (EHRC).
Partnered by Cork co-driver Adrian Deasy, the pair will spearhead the Irish charge in the newly established Pre-2000 category.
The duo will campaign their new Subaru Impreza 555, a car that made its first and so far only outing at the Killarney Historic Rally in November.
While Ring is no stranger to international competition, a full nine-round European tour represents a massive undertaking for the Killarney man.
The season kicks off this Thursday at Rally Costa Brava in Spain, running through to Saturday night.
Following the Spanish opener, Ring and Deasy will head to the Vltava Rally in the Czech Republic, the technical Rally du Chablais in Switzerland, and the infamous high-speed ditch-lined junctions of the Ypres Rally in Belgium. The schedule also includes demanding rounds in Austria as the team builds momentum toward the late summer.
A major highlight for the Irish crew and fans alike will be the Ulster International Rally in August as the championship as it visits Northern Ireland for the first time.
The season is set to conclude with a double-header in Italy during September and October, featuring the legendary San Remo Rally, a former World Rally Championship staple that remains a bucket-list event for any driver.
The Irish charge in Spain also includes Killarney Historic winners Donagh Kelly and Rory Kennedy.
The Donegal pairing is bringing their BMW M3 E30 to contest the Pre-1992 category. Having already proven that their BMW is the class of the field on Irish tarmac, Kelly and Kennedy are expected to be immediate frontrunners for European silverware.
Irish Entries: 2026 EHRC & Costa Brava
Pre-1992 Championship
- Marty McCormack / Barney Mitchell (Derry): BMW M3 E30.
- Donagh Kelly / Rory Kennedy (Donegal): BMW M3 E30.
- Paddy Shovlin / John McCay (Derry): BMW M3 E30.
- Michael Cullen / Lorcan Moore (Dublin/Mayo): BMW M3 E30.
Pre-2000 Championship
- Alan Ring / Adrian Deasy (Killarney/Cork): Subaru Impreza 555.
- Ernie Graham / Karen Graham (Northern Ireland): BMW M3 E36.
- Kyle Tilley / Martin Brady (Galway): Peugeot 306 Maxi.
Open & Invitational
- Damian Toner / Joe Comerford (Armagh): Ford Escort MK2.
- Pauric Mohan / Jarlath Kelly (Tyrone): Ford Escort MK2.
- Andrew McAlpine / Andy Bull (Meath-based): Ferrari 308 GTB Group B.
Kerry Motorsport News 