Hosted by the Donegal Motor Club, and based in Donegal town, the Clerk of the Course Michael Kelly has planned a route of 65 competitive kilometers spread over 10 stages. The first car leaves Parc Ferme at 8.30am to head to the Pettigo area where two stages will be done twice. In the afternoon, there are three stages repeated in the Barnesmore Gap area.
The forty five strong entry includes a mixture of forestry regulars and newcomers. The list is headed by Vincent McAree (Evo 9) who was Valvoline Championship runner up in 2011. Enda McNulty (Impreza) is next in line, ahead of Pat O'Connell (Evo9) who won this series in 2010. The next seeds include Martin Cairns (Impreza), Ian Cochrane (Evo9), Colin Britton (Evo9), Stephen Wright (Evo9) and Ger Lucey (Evo8). Next up are the all-singing and dancing rear wheel drive cars, with Frank Kelly, Adrian Hetherington, Seamus O'Connell (Escort Mk2) seeded ahead of the Toyota Starlet RWD of Shane McGirr.
Commenting on the work done by the Donegal MC, John Quill - Chairman of the MI Forestry committee - said "We are delighted with the quality of the entry. Donegal MC have put in a huge effort putting the event together. It's great that the northern lads get a round of the championship on their door step." He added that over the years they put in a huge effort supporting the national championship by travelling south to do the regular events. "This year along Donegal, the inclusion of the Dogleap and the Bushwhacker is just reward for their loyal support."
The 2012 Valvoline Forest Rally consists of seven rounds:
January 28th Donegal Forest Rally
March 3rd Carrick-on-Suir Wm Loughman Forest Rally
April 15th Munster CC Moonraker Forest Rally
May 19th Cork MC Jim Walsh Forest Rally
July 8th Tipperary Sean Conlon Memorial Forest Rally
August 4th Maiden City MC Dogleap Stages Rally
September 22 Omagh MC Bushwhacker Forest Rally
