McKinney aims to end season on a high note at Tullyroan Oval

A NUMBER of major title races take centre stage at Tullyroan Oval on Saturday, (6.30pm start), as the venue hosts its highly anticipated final meeting of the 2026 season.

With a wealth of silverware on offer, the evening promises a spectacular showcase of short-oval motorsport featuring no less than four major championship deciders.

The headline act of this domestic season finale is the 2.0 Hot Rods Irish Championship, widely regarded as the blue riband event of the local racing calendar.

Following a keenly fought season, newly crowned World Champion Adam Hylands of Portadown has secured the coveted pole position based on total points scored throughout 2026.

Sharing the front row is Strabane’s James McKinney, who will be looking to cap off an exceptionally strong season.

Immense pressure will come from row two, where defending Irish Champion Jordan Rochford lines up alongside the current British Champion, Callum Doak, setting the stage for a fierce battle at the front.

In the Stock Rods Irish Championship, the front-wheel-drive category grid is equally packed with talent.

Defending Irish and current European Champion Sam McNeice of Randalstown starts at the sharp end alongside Scarva’s rising hotshot, Harry Minish.

They face stiff opposition from Armagh’s Mark Foster and the highly experienced Stevie McNiece of Enniskillen, whilst established contenders Darragh O’Shea and Declan O’Connor remain poised to strike.

Adding a layer of unpredictability to the Irish title races is the potential for caution periods, where the NASCAR-style double file restarts could dramatically shake up the order and bring mid-pack qualifiers right into contention.

The heavy-hitting Unlimited National Bangers Irish Championship guarantees high-impact drama.

Dublin’s Stevo McGrath starts on pole position as the current Points Champion, but he will face a staunch challenge from fellow countryman and defending Irish Champion, Deano McGrath.

The unpredictable nature of the Banger ranks means the favourites will have their work cut out to avoid being eliminated by the chasing pack.

The fast-paced Gordy McKee and the ever-entertaining duo of Steven and Jake Reynolds are also tipped to be heavily involved.

Furthermore, this race doubles as the opening round of the all-new 2026/27 Banger Series Ireland, alongside the popular return of the Entertainers League.

The 1400 Stock Cars Ulster Championship brings a heavy metal, contact racing edge to the event.

Using the challenging reversed grid format, it will see Drogheda’s Fionn Donnelly attempt to secure an extraordinary hat-trick of three consecutive Ulster titles. Looking to deny him is Cullybackey superstar and Northern Ireland Points Champion Curtis Greer, who remains a firm crowd favourite, alongside the newly crowned Irish Champion, Josh McKinstry, who enters the weekend in peak form.

Rounding out the action packed billing are the Ninja Karts, featuring young stars aged between 6 and 11 years old competing for the 2026 DMC Gold Cup.

A strong contingent of visiting drivers from England, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland will join the local grid, ensuring ultra close, competitive racing from the sport’s youngest competitors as Tullyroan Oval brings down the curtain on a memorable year of racing.