The event has undergone a name change this year - from now on it will be known as the “Dick Bailey Stages Rally”.

Dick was a big part of the Wexford rally since its first run, and as he is the only club member to lose his life as a result of the sport he so much loved, it was only fitting that it should be renamed in his honour.

Motorsport events have a history of being named after people that have given a lot to the sport, such as Gordon Bennett and Jim Clark to name two. Dick will now join those esteemed ranks.

Rally headquarters will be based at the Crosbie Cedars Hotel in Rosslare, who are sponsoring the rally for the third year.

The stages themselves are all in the south of the county.

Saturday will feature eight stages in two loops of four. These will be in Ballycullane, Dunmain, Aughlare and Oakland.

After the second service halt, at the end of the first day, the cars and crews will head back to Parc Ferme in Rosslare.

The second day's racing will see the cars head into the last eight stages, a loop of four stages repeated, in Mayglass, Knocktown, Ballymitty and Forth Mountain.

Some of both days’ stages will be new to the Wexford event.

As always the club has picked some testing, but fair, stages for the maximum field of 150 cars.

Following the non-running of last years event, and also the non-participation of non-Irish crews in any of last years rally, Wexford Motor Club will gladly welcome back old friends this year.

UK drivers such as John Price, Bob Fowden and Pete Doughty have entertained the knowledgeable Wexford crowds over the years and this occasion should be no exception.

As with all closed road events there is a great participation from the residents farming community and businesses affected by the road closures.

The motor club is deeply indebted to these people and thanks them for their help in running this event.

As for the much sought after start list, a collating delay means it is now due out this coming Monday.