Official launch of Mayo Stages Rally imminent
The official launch of the 2026 WEST TYRE and Westport Woods Hotel & Spa Mayo Stages Rally takes place this Friday (February 6) at 8 p.m. in Westport Woods Hotel.
There will be a display of rally cars outside the hotel and photographs will be taken with sponsors, rally championship representatives and the organising committee, along with some guest speakers on the evening.
The launch is open to the public and everybody is invited to come along to get into the rally mood ahead of the event itself, which takes place on Sunday, March 1.
This year sees Mayo host the opening round of the National Rally Championship as the biennial year and once more welcomes back Triton Showers, who commenced as title championship sponsors back in 2015. In addition, Triton Showers MD Kevin Barrett, a former winner of the Mayo Stages Rally, must be acknowledged.
The rally will also be round one of the very popular Border Rally Championship, which in 2026 celebrates its 35th year. Sligo Pallets have played a massive role as title sponsor in this championship, with owner (and long-time Mayo Stages Rally competitor and Mayo club member) Andrew Mullen supporting the championship with investment and passion for the last 15 years.
The rally also plays host to the Top Part West Coast Rally Championship, which has seen its sponsor, Top Part, in situ since the championship formation in 1993.
The 2026 Dacia Sandero Challenge Cup, in association with Motorsport Ireland, is also heading to Mayo for its opening 2026 round. The Cedar Motors Dacia-backed production class rally is designed to give new entrants into the sport and existing competitors an affordable and practical way to participate in the Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship.
So, the stage is firmly set for many top rally drivers and co-drivers to battle it out for honours in Mayo on March 1. Entries opened for the event last Thursday and competitors nationwide and further afield have wasted no time in getting their names in.
Westport Woods Hotel & Spa will be rally headquarters for the weekend. Conveniently located between the town of Westport and the Quay, this modern four-star facility is ideally situated for easy access from all locations.
Clerk of the course and proud Westport man Stephen McGing is an experienced competitor and rally official, having undertaken a number of roles in recent years. He is ably supported by an experienced team of officials who are currently busy putting the finishing touches to months of preparations for this ever popular event.
Full event details are available on the Mayo Stages Rally Sportity App [MAYO26], Mayo Motorsport's Facebook page and the Mayo Stages Rally Instagram account, and also by emailing the dedicated mayostagesrally2026@gmail.com address.