THE Ulster Rally has a new headline sponsor, with John Mulholland Motors taking on the role until 2018.
The rally will be based in Derry for the next three years, and with Skoda and Hyundai franchises in Campsie, Mr Mulholland said it was a "no brainer" to support the event.
"Rallying has been a passion of mine since I was a young boy and it's a privilege for my company to be associated with such a high profile event," he said.
Another reason for backing the rally was because the brands represented at his dealerships in Randalstown and Campsie - Skoda, Ford and Hyundai - "are all actively involved in rallying and feature at the highest levels of motorsport throughout the world".
"I myself have a Skoda S2000 and all of this will give us a real opportunity to bring the sport closer to the public in the north west," said Mr Mulholland.
Robert Harkness, speaking on behalf of the Northern Ireland Motor Club, said John Mulholland Motors was "a natural fit" with the Ulster International Rally.
Gary Milligan, the rally's clerk of the course, said: "John has been a regular competitor on the Ulster Rally over many years and we are delighted to now have him as the headline sponsor."
John Mulholland Motors was founded in 1988 by John and Alicia Mulholland in Randalstown, Co Antrim.
It is the largest Skoda retailer on the island of Ireland and was recently named as the UK's leading Skoda dealer.
John Mulholland Motors is also the only Skoda and Hyundai franchise with multiple representations in Northern Ireland.
Full details of the Ulster Rally route will be announced at the launch in Derry in June.
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RALLYING SUPPORT: The Ulster Rally will be sponsored by John Mulholland Motors for the next three years. Pictured at the sponsorship announcement are, from left, Gary Milligan, clerk of the course, John Mulholland, managing director John Mulholland Motors, and Robert Harkness, president of the Northern Ireland Motor Club.
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