Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast

🎤 Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, Episode 39 🎤 This week on the podcast, we catch up with Meirion Evans to discuss his 2026 season so far, including his performance on Rali Ceredigion and his progress in the British Rally Championship. We also chat with Aoife Raftery about her busy year competing in both the American Rally Association Championship and the British Rally Championship, looking back at her experiences and achievements on both sides of the Atlantic. Jack Breenan joins us after his impressive fourth-place finish in a Rally3 car at Wexford, as we look back on his season to date. Finally, we look ahead to the Bushwhacker Rally with Clerk of the Course Lewis Boyd and Deputy Clerk of the Course Ronnie McAleer, who give us the inside track on what competitors and spectators can expect from this year’s event. Chapters Meirion Evans 00:03:50 Aoife Raftery 00:23:10 Jack Brennan 00:40:04 Lewis Boyd & Ronnie McAleer 00:47:40 End 01:05:50

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 38.🎤 This week on the podcast, we catch up with Paddy McToal, the two-wheel-drive victor on the Lakeland Stages Rally, and Declan Casey, the second-place co-driver in the two-wheel-drive category, as they reflect on their performances in Fermanagh and look ahead to upcoming forestry rounds. We’re also joined by Andy Hayes, who talks us through his Lakeland Stages Rally and brings us up to speed on the upcoming Wexford Stages Rally, including preparations, the entry, and how the event is shaping up. Finally, we look back at the recent Rali Ceredigion, which hosted joint rounds of the European Rally Championship and British Rally Championship. Casey Jay Coleman, Kalum Graffin, and Kyle McBride join us to discuss their experiences on the challenging Welsh stages and the battles throughout the event. Chapters Start 00:00:00 Lakeland Chat with Paddy McToal & Declan Casey 00:04:30 Andy Hayes talks about Lakeland & previews Wexford 00:28:30 Casey Jay, Kalum & Kyle discuss Rali Ceredigion 00:48:04 End 01:12:53

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 37🎤 On this week’s episode, Frank Kelly joins us to chat about his recent exploits on Polish Rally Legend, and to look ahead to the upcoming Escort Rally Special in Belgium and the RSC Rallye Wildetaube in Germany. We’re also joined by New Zealand rallying father-daughter duo Anthony and Zoe Jones, who share stories from their rallying adventures, including their memorable trip to Ireland for June’s Donegal International Rally. Looking ahead, Enniskillen Motor Club Clerk of the Course Simon Macrory gives us the lowdown on this weekend’s Lakeland Forestry Rally, discussing what competitors and spectators can expect. We also sit down with the club’s Safety Officer, Francie Fox, for an insight into the vital role of event safety, from planning and preparation to ensuring everything runs safely on rally day. Chapters Start 00:00:00 Frank Kelly 00:03:15 Zoe & Anthony Jones 00:23:48 Simon Macrory 00:41:22 Francie Fox 00:50:10 End 01:06:57

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season episode 36🎤 Marty McCormack & Barney Mitchell share their impressions of the latest round of the European Historic Rally Championship: the Lathi Historic Rally. We also discuss all the latest developments in the Mats Performance BMW M3. In this episode, we also talk to Ben McFall, Mark McGeehan, Oran England, and Darragh Mullen about the battles they have had this season and what they're looking forward to at Rali Ceredigion. Chapters Start 00:00:00 Marty & Barney 00:01:45 Ben, Mark, Oran & Darragh on their seasons thus far 00:30:50 End 01:03:29

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 35 🎤 On this episode we catch up with rally driver Kalum Graffin to discuss his FIA European Rally Championship season so far. Kalum reflects on his performances and the challenges of competing at ERC level, as well as securing an impressive third overall in the Fiesta Rally3 Trophy competition. We also turn our attention to the upcoming Down Rally, organised by Rathfriland Motor Club. We’re joined by Assistant Clerk of the Course Barry Savage, who gives us an insight into the preparations behind the event, what competitors and spectators can expect, and the work that goes into putting the rally together. Chapters Start 00:00:00 Kalum Graffin on his ERC Campaign 00:02:45 Down Rally Preview with Barry Savage 00:22:39 End 00:44:01

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2026 Season, episode 34🎤 On this episode, we catch up with Ulster Rally Historic winners Eamonn Kelly and then co-driver Rory Kennedy as they each reflect on their successful weekend in Co Antrim and the excitement of driving the fabulous Mats M3 of some of the greatest stages in the country. We also chat with Andy Hayes, who navigated Josh Moffett to an extraordinary three victories in just one week — on the Monaghan Rally, Ulster Rally and Jim Walsh Cork Rally. Across the seven days, the pair tackled both tarmac and gravel, switched cars and claimed wins on rounds of the National Rally Championship, Irish Tarmac Championship and Irish Forestry Championship. It’s a remarkable achievement and one we’re asking: has it ever been done before? Tune in for the stories, the challenges and the inside track on another week in Irish rallying. Chapters Start 00:00:00 Eamonn Kelly 00:03:20 Rory Kennedy 00:19:25 Andy Hayes 00:40:00 End 01:16:32

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 33🎤 In this episode, we bring you the reaction from an action-packed Monaghan Stages Rally, fresh from the finish line with overall winner Josh Moffett and runner-up Sam Moffett reflect on a thrilling battle as they share their thoughts on the "Monaghan Grand-Prix". We also dive into the fiercely contested two-wheel-drive category, hearing from winner, Gary McPhillips, second-placed crew Dessie Keenan and Jason "Wee Pete" McKenna, plus third-placed co-driver Ronan O'Neill and also Chris O'Callaghan, who was in the hunt for a podium finish. To round things off, we look ahead to this weekend's highly anticipated Ulster Rally as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Grace and Mark King join us to preview the landmark event, discussing the stages, and what fans and competitors can expect as event joins the FIA European Historic Rally Championship. Chapters Start 00:00:00 Josh Moffett 00:03:20 Sam Moffett 00:06:08 Monaghan 2wd Competitors 00:09:55 Ulster Rally Preview with Grace & Mark King 00:48:55 End 01:15:53

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 32🎤 On this episode, we catch up with Jon Armstrong to discuss his World Rally Championship campaign with M-Sport, reflecting on the highs, challenges, and what it's like competing at the very top level of the sport. We also hear from Jonny Greer after securing an incredible sixth Northern Ireland Rally Championship title, looking back on another successful season and what the achievement means to him. Hugh Hunter and Andy Marchbank join us to share their experiences from Rallye Lecale, discussing the event, the competition, and how their rally unfolded. Finally, we turn our attention to the upcoming Monaghan Rally as Sean McCaffrey previews one of the highlights of the Irish rally calendar, discussing the stages, the expected competition, and what fans can look forward to. Chapters Start 00:00:00 Jon Armstrong on his season to date 00:02:45 Jonny Greer - 6 times Northern Ireland Rally Championship, 00:41:45 Hugh Hunter & Andy Marchbank on Rallye Lecale 01:03:05 Sean McCaffrey - Monaghan Rally Preview 01:29:18 End 01:55:47

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 32🎤 In this episode, we’re joined by three-time British Rally Champion Matt Edwards to discuss the current state of Rally2 machinery and its future as the incoming top-tier category in the FIA World Rally Championship. Matt shares his insight into the performance, appeal and challenges of Rally2 cars. We also catch up with Gavin Campbell, Clerk of the Course, and Brian Crawford, Deputy Clerk of the Course, for a preview of this weekend’s BADMC Rallye Lecale. As a brand-new event taking place on 25 July and based in Downpatrick, they take us behind the scenes to explain what competitors and fans can expect, the work involved in launching a new rally, and why Rallye Lecale promises to be an exciting addition to the Northern Irish motorsport calendar. Chapters Start 00:00:00 Matt Edwards 00:03:45 Rallye Lecale preview with Gavin Campbell & Brian Crawford 00:47:20 End 01:20:54

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast | 2026 Season, episode 31 | 🎤 This week on the podcast, we look back at an action-packed Nicky Grist Rally with the event's overall winners, Jordan Hone and Sion Williams. They join us to reflect on their standout performance and what the win means for the rest of the season. We also catch up with Jason Black and Karl Egan after a busy weekend behind the wheel. The pair discuss competing on back-to-back events, tackling the Loughgall Rally before celebrating victory at the Kerry Mini Stages, and the challenges of maintaining momentum across two demanding rally's. Finally, we hear from the Stonethrowers Rally Clerk of the Course Susan Sheehan and Deputy Clerk of the Course Declan O'Keeffe, who explain the difficult decision to cancel this weekend's event. They share the factors behind the call, the disappointment for everyone involved. Chapters Start 00:00:00 Nicky Grist Stages Review with winners Jordan Hone & Sion Williams 00:03:45 Catchup with Jason Black & Karl Egan 00:28:08 Stonethrowers News with Susan Sheehan & Declan O'Keefe End 01:14:20

Krunching Gears - |The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 30| This week on the podcast, we catch up with Jonny Greer and Niall Burns following their victory at the Loughgall Rally the latest round of the Northern Rally Championship. We also catch up on the latest round of the FIA European Rally Championship (Rally di Roma Capitale) with Craig Rahill, Conor Smith, Casey Jay Coleman, and Killian McArdle who bring us up to speed on their ERC3 and M-Sport Fiesta Trophy campaigns, sharing the highs, challenges, and excitement from a demanding weekend of international competition. Rounding off the show, we hear from the crews who finished second and third overall at the Kerry Mini Stages, Chris O'Callaghan and Coleen O'Brien, along with Johno Doogan and Paul Lennon, as they reflect on their performances, fierce competition, and memorable moments from an action-packed event. Chapters Start 00:00:00 Loughgall Rally with Jonny Greer & Niall Burns 00:03:15 Rally di Roma Capitale - Craig Rahill, Conor Smith, Casey Jay Coleman & Killian McArdle 00:25:58 Kerry Mini Stages - Coleen O'Brien, Chris O Callaghan, Johno Doogan & Paul Lennon 00:54:50 End 01:33:24 #rally #podcast #motorsport #autopodcast #irishrally #PaddyPower

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 29🎤 On this episode of the Rally Podcast, we look ahead to one of the biggest and most anticipated events on the Irish rally calendar, the Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally. We catch up with Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy, who have been released from their World Rally Championship duties with M-Sport to tackle the famous Donegal hills in a Rally2 Fiesta. They discuss the opportunity, the challenge of competing at home, the quality of the entry list, and the excitement of taking on one of Irish rallying’s most iconic events. We’re also joined by Clerk of the Course Eamon Magee, who gives us an insight into the preparation, organisation, and challenges involved in delivering the legendary Donegal stages. Event sponsor and competitor Rodney Wilton shares his thoughts on supporting the rally and taking on the roads himself. Plus, Eugene Ferry joins us to talk about the Rally Stages App which is working in partnership with the Donegal Motor Club to help competitors and spectators stay informed throughout the rally weekend.

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 28🎤 🩷 On this special episode we celebrate the return of one of the most iconic cars in Irish rallying history, the legendary “Pink Panther” Ford Sierra RS Cosworth that carried James Cullen and Ellen Morgan to victory on the Donegal International in 1991. We speak with Paul Murphy and Declan McBrearty, part of the dedicated team behind the painstaking restoration of this famous machine, as they reveal the work involved in returning the car to its original 1991 specification as part of The Stables Motorsport Centre collection. We’re also joined by James Cullen and Sinead Canny, who look ahead to their special appearance on the Donegal stages as they mark the anniversary of that unforgettable victory and honour the legacy of Ellen Morgan, James’ co-driver for 14 remarkable years. The return of the iconic pink Sierra RS Cosworth to the 2026 Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally.

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast 2026 Season, episode 27🎤 This week, we get under the bonnet and take a look behind the scenes of rallying with three special guests who bring unique perspectives from the sport. First we catch up with Colin Turkington, four-time British Touring Car Champion and BMW’s most successful racing driver, following his recent venture into rallying at the Tyrone Stages Rally. Alongside him is co-driver Rory Kennedy, who shares his experience of guiding one of touring cars’ most decorated drivers through the challenges of special stage competition. Together, they discuss the transition from track to rallying, the demands of the sport, and what they learned from the experience. We also follow up on the recent Toyota Yaris Rally2 test in Donegal with Lewis Allen, Lead Engineer on Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Rally2 project. Lewis provides a fascinating insight into the development of the Toyota Rally2 programme, explaining how Toyota supports its customer teams around the world. From continuous development to delivering the latest upgrades, he reveals how no expense is spared to ensure competitors have access to the very best package available. Chapters Start 00:00:00 Colin Turkington & Rory Kennedy 00:06:15 Lewis Allen - Gazoo Lead Engineer Rally2 Programme 00:35:00 End 01:04:00

🎙️ Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast 2026 Season |Episode 26| In this episode, we look back at an action-packed Circuit of Munster Rally with Daniel Breslin and Damian Doherty, the leading rear-wheel-drive crew, who chat about their impressive run. We also hear from second-place overall finisher Keelan Grogan, who reflects on a strong result against tough competition. Rally4 winner Oran England joins us to discuss his class-winning performance and his plans for the season ahead. We also shine a spotlight on the future of motorsport with Reanna Gillis and Erin McKenna from Cookstown Motor Club. They share their experiences of getting involved in rallying and discuss what clubs and competitors can do to encourage more people—particularly newcomers—to take their first steps into the sport. Looking ahead, Mike Marshall joins us to preview the inaugural Killarney Classic Tour, a brand-new event celebrating the rich heritage of rallying in Killarney and the stunning Beara Peninsula. Tune in for rally insights, competitor reactions, grassroots motorsport discussion, and a look ahead to an exciting new event on the Irish motorsport calendar. #KrunchingGears #TheRallyPodcast #CircuitOfMunsterRally #IrishRallying #MotorsportPodcast #rallying Chapters Start 00:00:00 Circuit of Munster Daniel Breslin & Damian Doherty 00:05:2 Circuit of Munster Keelan Grogan & Oran England 00:27:55 Cookstown Motor Club, Youth Development Erin McKenna & Reanna Gillis 00:53:20 Killarney Classic Tour - Mike Marshall 01:02:55 End 01:19:46

Krunching Gears ┃The Rally Podcast 2026 Season┃ Episode 25. On this week’s podcast we’re joined by the top two finishers from the recent Jim Clark Rally. Winner Max McRae reflects on a standout victory, while Meirion Evans looks back on the challenges of one of the UK’s most iconic events. We also discuss the recent Toyota Gazoo Racing test session in Donegal with Eamonn Kelly and Rory Kennedy, who give us the inside story on the visit and what it means for Irish rallying. Looking ahead, Circuit of Munster Clerk of the Course Kieran Ambrose joins us to preview this weekend’s action, key stages and leading contenders. Plus, the team from Cookstown Motor Club, led by Clerk of the Course Simon MacRory, chat about preparations for the upcoming Tyrone Stages Rally and what competitors and fans can expect from the event. #rallying #irishrally #rallypodcast #brc #gazooracing #rallychat #goodtotalk Chapters Start 00:00:00 Jim Clark talk with Max McRae & Meirion Evans 00:00:45 Gazoo Toyota Racing Chat with Rory Kennedy & Eamonn Kelly 00:34:40 Circuit of Munster Preview with COC Kieran Ambrose 01:02:20 Tyrone Stages build up with Simon Macrory, Sean & Barry End 01:39:06

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast [2026 Season] episode 24. Fresh from their impressive victory at the Carlow Stages Rally, Michael Boyle and Dermot McCafferty join us to break down their winning performance along with Cathan McCourt and Barry McNulty, who secured an excellent second place as they reflect on a hard-fought battle at the front of the field and the pace needed to challenge for victory and looking forward to the Donegal International Rally. Rounding out the episode is Jonathan Pringle, winner of the ever-competitive MKII Challenge (and over all two-wheel-drive winner) talks about his event. From dramatic stages and tricky weather conditions plus plenty of rally insight, stories, and analysis from a memorable weekend in Carlow. #motorsport #rallying #carlowrally #podcast #irishrally Chapters Start 00:00:00 Michael Boyle, Dermot McCafferty, Cathan McCourt & Barry McNulty 00:04:05 Johnny Pringle 00:32:20 End 00:48:21

Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast | 2026 Season - Episode 23 Sean Moriarty joins Kevin and Conor for a deep dive into why Vodafone Rally de Portugal remains one of the most iconic rounds of the World Rally Championship. An experienced automotive journalist and founder of Kerry Motorsport News, Sean shares first-hand insight into the culture, history, and atmosphere surrounding Rally Portugal. From the legendary Fafe jump (Pedra Sentada) to the carnival energy of the gravel stages, the trio explore why the event holds such a special place in rallying folklore. They discuss the passion of the fans, the spectacle of Pedra Sentada, and the electric atmosphere created by flares, fireworks, chainsaws, and packed spectator banks. If you love rallying at its rawest and most atmospheric, this episode shows why Portugal remains the beating heart of the WRC. #WRC #RallyPortugal #VodafoneRallyPortugal #FafeJump #PedraSentada #Rallying #Motorsport #WorldRallyChampionship #kerrymotorsportnews #podcast #rallypodcast

Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast | Season 2026 | Episode 22 This week on Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast, we recap a dramatic Killarney Rally of the Lakes, with Rob Duggan joining us after clinching victory in the Modified category. We revisit the Manx Rally, with overall winners Ryan Loughran and Robb Fagg recalling their standout performance and claiming victory on the iconic island stages. Rising Irish talent Kyle McBride joins the show to discuss his exciting announcement for the 2026 Junior European Rally Championship and what lies ahead for the season. We preview the upcoming Carlow Rally with Clerk of the Course Michael Comerford, who gives insight into the preparations, stages, and what competitors and fans can expect from one of the most anticipated events on the national rally calendar. Plenty of rally chat, analysis, and behind-the-scenes insight throughout the episode. Chapters Start 00:00:00 Rob Duggan - Rally of the Lakes - 00:03:35 Ryan Loughran & Rob Fagg - Manx National 00:24:40 Kyle McBride - JERC announcement 00:49:52 Mick Comerford - COC Carlow Rally 01:05:05 End 01:17:46 #KrunchingGear #RallyPodcast #IrishRallying #RallyOfTheLakes #KillarneyRally #ManxRally #CarlowRally #ModifiedRallying #JuniorERC #EuropeanRallyChampionship #ERC #Motorsport #Rallying #IrishMotorsport #KyleMcBride #RyanLoughran #RobDuggan #RobbFagg #BehindTheStages #NationalRallying

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast 2026 Season, episode 21. In this episode, we’re joined by Christophe Jacob, one of the organising team and Frank Kelly, MKII Escort hero, to talk about The Escort Rally Special in Chimay, Belgium, on 11th –13th September. A rally that delivers a pure, no-compromise celebration of Ford Escort rallying on fast, technical asphalt. Designed exclusively for Escort machinery, this niche event has quickly become a focal point for iconic Ford Escort enthusiasts. This rally caters for all types of RWD Escorts, but FWD or 4WD cars may also be considered. Set across demanding stages in the Hainaut region, the rally promises close competition and a strong community atmosphere. Frank and Christophe offer firsthand insight into the challenges and charm of competing in a single-marque rally. Whether you’re a driver, fan, or historic rally devotee, this is one you won’t want to miss. #FordEscort #rallyfans #onebrand #irishrally #motorsport #fastford #FrankKelly #babyblue