As the ALMC City North Hotel Stages Rally hosts round four of the all-asphalt one-make series for Group N Mitsubishi Lancers Evolutions.

Following a decision to move the fourth round from Donegal, to ensure all registered Evo Challenge crews were able to gain an entry.

The series organisers are delighted with the reception they have received from the County Meath-based event.

Consequently, the only one-day rally in the Evo Challenge calendar has proved to be a popular choice, with nine crews entered, the series' largest entry so far this season.

An interesting seeding for crews sees Owen Murphy, with co-driver James O'Brien, lead the Mitsubishi field away.

The 21-year old charger will be looking for better luck this time round, following retirement in round three due to an ECU fault on day one.

Next to start are current series leaders, the Ulster pairing of Alan Carmichael/Ivor Lamont, who won in West Cork and have finished every round so far.

They are therefore aiming to continue their 100 percent points-scoring performance.

Although winning more stages than any other Irish Evo Challenge driver so far this season, Colm Murphy is yet to score, having retired on the second day in all three rounds.

With a different co-driver in Anthony O’Conaill, he starts third of the Evo runners this time out and is hoping that the one-day format may well see him to make it to the finish.

The ALMC Stages Rally starts and finishes at the event’s headquarters and it’s title sponsor’s premises, the City Hotel North Hotel, just off the M1 near Gormanston, about 30 kilometres north of Dublin City Centre.

The route features three stages, ran three times, on closed public roads in County Meath, providing a total competitive distance of 129 kilometres.

Meanwhile on the local scene, the 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland stage a round of the ANICC Northern Ireland Sprint Championship at Kirkistown today.