“Start your engines” as Mayo Stages Rally launched

The countdown to the 2026 West Tyre Westport Woods Hotel & Spa Mayo Stages Rally is firmly on following a successful launch for the March 1 event.

A large crowd was in attendance on Friday night last at Westport Woods Hotel to hear information about this year’s rally from a selection of speakers, including Clerk of the Course Stephen McGing who thanked all the sponsors who have made the running of the 2026 Mayo Stages Rally possible.

Among those attending were Deputy Keira Keogh, who spoke about Westport’s strong relationship with many other sporting events and was delighted to see the rally back in Westport after two decades and the boost that is coming to local businesses with the news that all accommodation is sold out already for the weekend of the rally.

The large crowd in attendance also heard from representatives from the different Championships, Declan Tumilty, championship manager of the Triton National Rally Championship spoke about his strong connection with Mayo, while Martin McGarrity on behalf of the Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship highlighted Andrew Mullen’s continued involvement which now enters 15 years of support for the Clubman rally competitors.

Wesley Roberts, on behalf of the Top Part West Coast Rally Championship, complimented the competitor focused rally from the event secretary Ruthann O’Connor, while Declan O’Keefe Championship Manager of the Dacia Sandero Challenge Cup spoke about the affordable and trilling rallying that the one make series offers.

Brendan Fergus, from Mayo Sports Partnership, spoke about their involvement in increasing participation in all sports in the county and highlighted the importance of volunteers and marshals in the safe running of the Mayo Stages Rally.

With just under three weeks to go, Mayo & District Motorsport Club reported that entries are near capacity with a large number of Rally2 cars already subscribed, while reminding that entries close on February 15, and must be paid in full to be included on the seeded entry list.

For spectators intending to visit the rally, plenty of time should be allowed to get to the stages to park and find a safe viewing location, as some of the stages have only limited access. Always obey the marshals and follow their instructions, as they are there to ensure that everyone has a safe day’s rallying. Official Mayo Stages Rally programmes will be on sale at various local outlets and filling stations, on the lead up to the event. These programmes are crucial for identifying stage routes, entry lists, and spectator locations.

To run an event like the Mayo Stages Rally is a major undertaking, requiring the help of a large number of helpers. Mayo and District Motorsport Club is looking for additional marshals to ensure a successful running of the event. If you would like to help out, contact chief marshal John Duffy on 087 9583240 – your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Volunteers are the backbone of motorsport and Onthepacenote’s Killian Duffy wants to recognise the invaluable contribution that marshals make to the smooth running of the sport we all love. The Mayo man is putting his hand in his pocket to reward marshals who commit to marshalling at his local event #MayoStagesRally on March 1. 

Three lucky marshals (one from each stage location) will share a cash purse of €1,050 plus everyone who pre registers online and turns up to marshal on the day on the event will receive a free beanie hat, bringing the total amount donated by Onthepacenote to over €2,500. 

Registration link is available on Mayo Motorclub Facebook and Mayo Stages Rally Instagram pages. In order to avail of the incentive, a marshal must preregister by using this online link before February 16 and they must be present and signed on to marshal at the marshal meeting points on the morning of the event.