With plans to grow through the 90s, ALMC moved their rally to Co. Laois in 1996 and by 1997 had set about raising the profile of the event with a high profile launch in Dublin Castle and entries from Austin McHale and Bertie Fisher to compliment the strong field of regular National Championship contenders. McHale proved untouchable, while Fisher (who was trying a left hand drive car for the first time) eventually clawed up to second place at the expense of Hugh Martin Doherty who proved to be the best of the rest.