After a bit of a sabbatical the Ulster Automobile Clubs ‘It’s Not The Boxing Day Rally’ returned to the Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs events calendar on Saturday 27th December 2024.
With sign-on and scrutiny held at the Ulster Flying Club in Newtownards, this venue was the ideal HQ for a days road rallying around the Ards Peninsula. Consisting of seven tests, run twice. A total of fourteen enduro type tests were on the cards for around 34 entrants, with a total of around fifty miles to be covered.
Taking in farm yards, airfields, lanes, and builders yards, those who expected a traditional clubman Targa Rally would have been a little perplexed. As what they got was much more of a multi-venue autotest, highlighted by the vast majority of the entrants failing one of the tests I photographed.
Regardless of the fact, it was smiles per miles from all, especially with a bowl of soup and wheaten supplied at the lunch halt, and the day was wrapped up with no major drama and everyone was home in time to finish the last of the leftover Christmas foods.
An event update posted on the Ulster Automobile Club’s website read, “Massive congratulations to Robert and Zara Robinson who steered their Toyota Yaris to win the event by over one minute!!
“They were swiftly followed by another Toyota, this time an MR2 piloted by Chris Hillis and his navigator Oran Baird. Third place was filled by Aaron Kennedy and Ashley Boulton in their Mazda Mx5, one of many participating on the intricate and fun tests.
“It would be remiss not to thank all those who sponsored, supported and entered the event. Also we have to express sincere thanks to all the volunteers, marshals, officials and everyone else who made sure that this time honored, iconic event has been resurrected to its rightful place on our motorsport calendar.
“Many competitors commented they are already looking forward to the 2025 event which will be part of the Club’s 100th Celebrations.”
Posting to the Targa Rallying (NI) Facebook group after the event, a main driving force behind this year’s revival, Brian McLean commented, “AND THATS A WRAP! Big THANK YOU to everyone involved for your contribution to yesterday’s event. A great day was had by all.
“We want to thank the marshals, time keepers, competitors, organiser’s, the Flying Club, and all land owners for letting us have some fun on their properties.
“It was a big team effort to get the event running this year so thank you to everyone who made a contribution to organising INTBDR 2024.
“We want to wish everyone a Happy New Year from us all at the UAC.
“See you in the new year.”
