We loved last year so much, we'll go at it again.
Image by David Harrigan/ D.Harrigan ImagesIt's Ireland's biggest motorsport event, and we can't resist heading back to the hills for the Donegal International Rally.
We're delighted to be renewing our partnership with local man David Kelly, who'll tackle the gruelling three-day event alongside fellow Donegal man Dean O'Sullivan.
The Driver
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David hails from Donegal Town, and has spent the last several years rising through the ranks of the sport.
From humble beginnings in a yellow Peugeot 205, he's turned his hand to several increasingly demanding machines over the years, gaining vital experience both at home on demanding Irish tarmac stages, and abroad on the gravel trails of the British Rally Championship.
Last year, David made the step into Rally 2 - the top tier of European rallying outside of the World Rally Championship.
Initially, it was in a Ford Fiesta, which he discussed when Rory caught up with him before 2022's Donegal Rally:
This year's mount though, is even better!
The Car
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Introducing the Citroen C3 Rally 2!
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Featuring somewhere in the region of 380 horsepower, the C3 has cemented itself as the machine to have on the stages, with a whole host of top drivers at home and abroad opting for the wildest french hatchback money can buy.
David told us his change of car has given him renewed confidence in 2023, which he hopes to build on throughout Donegal's grueling three-day rally.
The Event
Think of the Donegal Rally as the Electric Picnic of Irish Motorsport.
It's the pinnacle; a weekend thousands clear their schedules for months in advance; a weekend of high-octane thrills like no other.
Three days, twenty special stages across some of the most iconic stretches of tarmac on the island, stunning scenery, and some nail-bitingly close competition.
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It's a rally that carries a fearsome reputation worldwide - the one everyone wants to win.
For David, last year's top 10 finish was a hugely impressive one, given his relative lack of experience compared to many of his competitors.
With three days of demanding rallying ahead, even getting to the finish is a feat.
The event kicks off with a Ceremonial Start on Letterkenny's main street on Thursday evening.
After that, it's flat stick until Sunday evening!
Find our logo on all four corners of David's car and the ENTIRE roof - you won't miss us!
