The 50th Modern Tyres Ulster Rally will host a charity collection for Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland during the event on 7 and 8 August, based in Ballymena, County Antrim.

The fundraising campaign was launched by Adam McKee after his son Harry was born with serious medical conditions requiring specialist hospital treatment. The family spent 97 nights at Ronald McDonald House, and McKee said the charity became a lifeline during that period. He described the fundraiser as an opportunity to give back.

Organisers have set up collection points, and competitors, officials, volunteers and spectators are encouraged to donate.

The rally itself features 12 closed-road stages covering around 100 competitive miles, including the Glendun, Torr Head and Slemish tests. Josh Moffett leads the field in a Toyota Gazoo Racing Yaris Rally2. Other top entrants include reigning Irish National Rally Champion Eddie Doherty, David Kelly, Desi Henry, Cathan McCourt, Sam Touzel and six-time Northern Ireland Rally Championship winner Jonny Greer.

The modified category includes County Armagh brothers Jason and Gareth Black in rear-wheel-drive Toyota Starlets, facing John Devlin, Declan McNaughton, Camillus Bradley, Geoffrey Dolan and John O’Donnell.

This year’s rally is also a round of the FIA European Historic Rally Championship, bringing classic machinery such as BMW E30 M3s and a Ford Escort Cosworth WRC to the stages.

Entry to the Ballymena Showgrounds service park and rally headquarters is free. An opening ceremony on Thursday evening offers a car show, trade stands and entertainment. A spectator regroup area operates at Castle Tower School on Friday and Saturday. Official programmes with route information are available online and at local outlets.

Clerk of the Course Wayne Turkington said reaching the 50th running is a significant milestone, with a challenging route and a top-class entry across modern, modified and historic categories. He expects the weekend to attract thousands of visitors to the area.