Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast

🎤Donegal Rally Preview🎤💚💛

🎤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.

Return of the Pink Panther 🩷🎤

🎤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.

From BTCC to Rally. Plus Toyota Gazoo Racing, Test Team Lead Engineer.

🎤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

Circuit of Munster Review, Cookstown Motor Club Youth Development & Killarney Classic Tour.

🎙️ 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

Jim Clark Rally Review, Toyota Test thoughts - previews of Circuit of Muster & Tyrone Stages.

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

Review of the Carlow Stages Rally

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

What makes WRC Rally de Portugal so Special?

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

Rally of the Lakes & Manx National Reviews. Plus Junior ERC & Carlow Rally Previews

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

Escort Rally Special

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

WRC - Season Review to date. Preview of the Rally of the Lakes.

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 20.

Luke Barry, award-winning journalist with DirtFish, joins us to break down the WRC season so far, covering the standout performances, surprise results, and key storylines shaping the championship battle. With expert insight and behind-the-scenes perspective, Luke helps us unpack what’s happening across the WRC.

We also turn our attention to the Killarney Rally of the Lakes, as Sean Moriarty from Kerry Motorsport News previews the action. From local contenders to event atmosphere, Sean sets the scene for a thrilling weekend in Kerry.

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

Luke Barry on the WRC Season 00:00:55

Sean Moriarty talks, Killarney, Rally of the Lakes 00:51:20

End 01:21:11

#WRC #WorldRallyChampionship #Rallying #Motorsport #DirtFish #LukeBarry #RallyFans #RallyLife #KillarneyRally #RallyOfTheLakes #KerryMotorsport #IrishRally #MotorsportIreland #SeanMoriarty #RallySeason #Podcast #MotorsportPodcast #RallyNews