John Mulholland Motors confirmed as headline Ulster Rally sponsor for next three years

John Mulholland Motors announced this morning that they will be the headline sponsor of the Ulster Rally for the next three years. Speaking from his extensive dealership complex at Randalstown, Dealer Principal John Mulholland, a well-known rally driver himself, said he was “delighted to be the new sponsor of the Ulster Rally for 2016, 2017 and 2018, a rally with a proud history and reputation for exciting competition”. The news comes as Derry prepares to host its first Ulster Rally on 19 and 20 August next when it is expected to attract thousands of rally enthusiasts to the city. The John Mulholland Motor Group is synonymous with the Skoda, Ford and Hyundai brands, with branches in Randalstown and Campsie. John Mulholland Motors was first founded in 1988 by John and Alicia Mulholland in Randalstown, County Antrim. They soon became the largest Skoda Retailer on the island of Ireland and recently won the most coveted title of “The UK’s No. 1 Skoda Retailer of the Year”. The Hyundai brand followed some five years later and then latterly Ford in 2008. The business has expanded into Eglinton near Derry and Hyundai and today, John Mulholland Motor Group is still the only Skoda and Hyundai franchise with multiple representations in the province. Mr Mulholland said rallying had been a passion of mine since he was a young boy and it was a privilege for his company to be associated with such a high profile event. He added when he heard Derry was being considered as the host city for the next three years, it was a “no brainer” the firm. He added: “Especially since all the brands we represent, Skoda, Ford and Hyundai, are all actively involved in rallying and feature at the highest levels of motorsport throughout the world. 2I myself have a Skoda S2000 and all of this will give us a real opportunity to bring the sport closer to the public in the North West”. Gary Milligan, Clerk of the Course of the 2016 John Mulholland Motors Ulster Rally, saidthat “John has been a regular competitor on the Ulster Rally over many years and we are delighted to now have him as the headline sponsor. “This will be an exciting year of new beginnings for the Ulster, with the move to Derry/Londonderry and now a new Headline Sponsor in John Mulholland Motors”. The Ulster Rally was formed in 1980 and is an International Permit Motor Rally promoted by The Northern Ireland Motor Club Ltd under the national regulations of the British motorsport governing body, the MSA and as appropriate to the International Sporting code of the FIA, the world governing body of motorsport. The John Mulholland Motors Ulster Rally 2016 is a counting round of The FIA European Rally Trophy (Celtic Trophy), The Clonakilty Black Pudding Irish Tarmac Championship, The British Rally Championship and the McGrady Insurances Northern Ireland Rally Championship. Full details of the location and route will be announced at the rally launch in Derry towards the end of June.” Photo shows (from left) Gary Milligan, Clerk of the Course, John Mulholland, Managing Director John Mulholland Motors and Robert Harkness, President of The Northern Ireland Motor Club Ltd, at the John Mulholland Motors Ulster Rally 2016 sponsorship announcement.