With entries are now closed for the Joule Donegal International Rally a capacity list of crews are entered to compete in one of the largest sporting events in Ireland.

Donegal is the fourth round of this year’s Tarmac Championship and after the previous round in Killarney the overall Championship is an extremely close fought affair with just two points covering the top three.

Monaghan man Josh Moffett leads the way on 42points, Dublin car dealer Robert Barrable has 41points in second and Sam Moffett also from Monaghan in third on 40points all three drive Ford Fiesta R5’s. Fourth and fifth are Jonny Greer and Desi Henry respectively who without a doubt will be vying for top points in Donegal.

In the modified section of the Championship it’s been dominated by Donegal crews at this stage of the year. Pettigo native and last year’s Champion Kevin Eves leads by five points in his Toyota Corolla from John Bonner from Dungloe with Letterkenny man JR McDaid in third both are in Ford Escort MKII’s. No doubt local honour as well as points will be at stake come the 15th of June.

The Historic and Junior sections of the Championship are being led by Owen Murphy and Gary McNamee respectively.

The World Rally Cars are not eligible for Championship points but they will be out in force. Drivers such as the winner for the previous two years Manus Kelly, Leitermacawards’ Declan Boyle, Donagh Kelly from Frosses and Co. Fermanagh man Garry Jennings will be battling for outright victory as the Jim Kennedy Memorial Trophy is the one they all want in their collection.

With entries coming in from the USA, Europe, the UK, and across Ireland it is expected that over 200entries will be vying to compete on this year’s Joule Donegal International Rally which takes place over three day from June 15 to 17.

Clerk of the Course Eamon McGee and his team are currently putting the finishing touches to this year’s route.

Eamon said "This year we look forward to putting on an even greater event for all the crews.

"We were overwhelmed by the support we received in 2017, with that in mind we are looking at giving the competitors more of what they enjoyed last year.