GARRY Jennings comes to the Donegal International Rally today as one of the favourites to take victory, and if he succeeds it will be back-to-back Donegal wins for the Kesh driver - co-driven by Neil Doherty - in his Subaru S12B WRC.
Last year marked the first outing in a hired Subaru WRC for Jennings but in 2013, his S12B Mount has been what he considers to be, the "best Subaru for Irish Tarmac rallying".
He has already proved its worth with a classic victory in Killarney in May and currently sits on top of the Irish Tarmac Championship leaderboard with 30 points.
Jennings said: "It is 15 years since I first started going to the Donegal Rally and I remember watching the likes of the late Bertie Fisher, never dreaming that one day I could win the rally.
"I reckon it is one of the best rallies in Europe and I am very proud to be running number one."
Jennings admits that Derek McGarrity (Impreza S14) is his main rival and the Glengormley driver will be eager to add the elusive Donegal to his tally of Tarmac wins.
He is certainly on form, having taken second in Killarney, but there's a wealth of other talent in the guise of Declan and Brian Boyle (Leitirmacaward) in their Subaru, Cork's Daragh O'Riordan, still getting to grips with his Fiesta WRC, and reigning champion Darren Gass (Subaru) from Markethill.
Donagh Kelly (Frosses) will be out in his Subaru, as will Omagh's Seamus Leonard, but all eyes will be on young Sam Moffett from Monaghan as he campaigns a McKinstry Motorsport Impreza S14 for the first time in Donegal, having taken a fine debut victory at the recent Monaghan Rally.
Meanwhile, Sam's brother Josh spearheads the Group N charge in his Mitsubishi Evo 9 with Martin Doherty (Omagh) and Stephen Wright (Monaghan) also fighting for class spoils.
Formula One media pairing Tony Jardine and Bangor-born Maurice Hamilton return across the Irish Sea with their Evo 6 version, which should give the commentators plenty to talk about.
With over 180 crews taking part, including historics and juniors, the cars will leave the start ramp from An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny, at 11.15am on Friday for the start of Ireland's longest rally in 2013.
The six stages today are extremely compact and the road miles for competitors are minimal.
Tomorrow there are eight stages and the overnight halts in Letterkenny.
A further six stages on Sunday complete the rally before the 5.30pm finish ramp ceremony at the Mount Errigal Hotel.