Senior TT winner Michael Dunlop is switching to four wheels this weekend for the John Mulholland Motors Ulster Rally.

The amazing all-rounder is again teaming up with Kirk Michael co-driver Rob Fagg for the Derry-based event, 12 months on from a podium finish in the National category.

The pair are hopeful of repeating that success in the same MkII Ford Escort.

While local man Fagg has had a busier year to date than 2016, the event will mark only Dunlop’s second appearance on the stages this year, the first being Ireland’s three-day Donegal International shortly after the TT in June.

With Burger Man Catering-supported Fagg alongside, the pair finished the tough event 18th in the national category, despite suffering a couple of incidents on the opening two days which would cost them around four minutes.

There is no doubt that Dunlop is a force to be reckoned with in both his class and against much more seasoned drivers.

’It’s a shame Michael cannot compete on more events as he would certainly benefit from it,’ commented Robert Graham & Co Chartered quantity surveyors-sponsored Fagg. ’We had a strong run in Donegal, it was a shame we had a couple of incidents otherwise a top-10 finish was on, and the pace we showed on the final day gave an indication of what Michael can do.’

The Ulster Rally gets underway at 1pm on Friday in the centre of Derry, before crews head out for two loops of three stages providing an opening leg of 50 miles, completing the day at around 10pm.

The action continues on Saturday with another full day of action. Follow it at www.ulsterrally.com

Dunlop will commence qualifying for the Classic TT on Monday evening. Next weekend he’ll parade a Gilera replica to mark 60 years since the first 100mph lap of the Mountain Course by Bob McIntyre.

Fagg is also supported by JR Hinchliffe Plumbing & Heating, Burger Man Catering, MC Locksmiths and Organic Construction Solutions.