Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast

Krunching Gears - Kevin Glendinning speaks to Daniel McKenna Part Two

In conversation with Daniel McKenna, part two takes over where we left last week! Daniel has just won the Billy Coleman Award, now he just needs a co-driver and a car!! As the season unfolds he sets a blistering pace. Winning the JBRC, Fiesta Challenge and R2 class. Culminating in the Pirelli Star Driver Award. The following two years saw a Citroen DS3 R3 pressed into action, winning the BRC and tackling rounds of the JWRC it's an incredible story! This plus much more and a big reveal towards the end!!

Krunching Gears - Kevin Glendinning speaks to Daniel McKenna Part One

Daniel McKenna is regarded by many as one of the hottest talents from this Island. In part one of this two-part podcast, we recall Daniel had motorsport in his veins from an early age. The early days as Andrew Greenan and Daniel quickly showed strong pace. It wasn't long before they were mixing it with the best-modified drivers in the country. Indeed many would regard them as one of the crews who lifted modified rallying in Ireland to a new level!   

Krunching Gears - Kevin Glendinning speaks Ari Vatanen & Terry Harryman

When you get the opportunity to interview Ari Vatanen and Terry Harryman face to face its doesn't take long to say yes!! To listen as they describe their adventures, which brought six world rally wins. Five of which were on the bounce was an absolute pleasure. Starting in 82 they recall the Swedish Rally where the partnership was formed right through the highs and lows that followed.  

Virtual Donegal International Rally 2021 - Day 3 Finish Ramp

To finish up the virtual Donegal International Rally 2021 we catch up with 1978 winner Ari Vatanen. He reminisces about his two visits to Donegal for the Rally. Next up is Donall Barrett who recalls some magical times with Manus Kelly. The big man is never far from our thoughts. Next in the hot seat is our 6 times winner Andrew Nesbitt. Who tells us about his many escapades over the years. Finally, Vincent Bonner takes us from the Rally of the Rosses, through his fantastic win with Seamus McGettigan in 1983. Seamus and Vincent are now joint Club Presidents of the Donegal Motor Club.

Virtual Donegal International Rally 2021 - End of DayTwo

We should be ending coming to the end of day two! Instead, we'll relive some fantastic stories from some previous winners! First up three-time winner Eugene Donnelly who regales us with tales as his Donnelly Motorsport team built up from humble beginning to win the Donegal Rally three times. Following on Rory Kennedy has competed across the world but his best memories are from his home town Rally. As he explains starting out with James Cullen, quickly rising through the ranks, sitting with the ultimate Irish driver of a generation Bertie Fisher, the story continues through co-driving for Mark Higgins and Garry Jennings. Finally, for tonight, Sam Moffett recalls his early days in GpN before switching to a WRC Subaru, taking his first win that no one predicted. Being involved in some magic battles over the last number of years and taking his second win in 2019.

Virtual Donegal International Rally 2021 - Mid Point Day Two

As we reach the midway point of the virtual Donegal International Rally 2021 we catch up with some of the National Rally competitors. Paul Gallagher explains tells about the great battles he had in Donegal over the years. Gary McPhillips recalls the scraps he had over the years and taking two National wins. Phil Collins recalls early Donegal Rallies where he had some fun with the locals then coming back to win the National Rally on two occasions. Ivan Stewart has had some exotic cars over the years and had some great stories to tell. Finally, Daniel Conaghan recalls his numerous class battles with another Donegal Hero Sammy Fisher, also Danny explains the strong friendships that have developed through rallying.

Virtual Donegal International Rally 2021 - End of Day One

Cathal Curley (CB) kicks off the evening's proceedings with his recollections of the early years of the Donegal International Rally. CB won the first three Donegal International Rallies. In 1981, Castlederg man John Lyons won Donegal for the first time, repeating his success in 1982 is next in the hot seat. Finally, for tonight the 1991 winner James Cullen relives his Donegal experiences, his first Donegal Rally in 1979. Being COC in 1982 & 83, welcoming Vincent Bonner & Seamus McGettigan onto the ramp as the winners. Then back behind the wheel, winning himself in 1991 and 1999 with the wonderful Ellen Morgan on the pacenotes.

Virtual Donegal International Rally 2021 - Start

We should have been enjoying the sites and sounds of the Joule Donegal International Rally, instead, we are still working within the latest Government guidelines! Over the next few episodes, we'll catch up with some competitors. To begin we'll speak with some of the people who help to make the Rally happen, starting with Brian Brogan Club Chairman, Ian Barrett, CEO of Joule, Eamon McGee Clerk of the Course and some of the marshals who have help on the stages.

Krunching Gears - Kevin Glendinning speaks to Terry & Allan Harryman

Terry Harryman navigated for some of the greatest drivers in Ireland, the UK and across the world. Hopkirk, Elford & Vatanen are just off the household names. We recall stories about these drivers and many more! His son Allan followed in his footsteps traveling the world competing alongside some fantastic drivers. The special relationship these guys share is an absolute joy to behold. It’s a very special story. 

Krunching Gears - Kevin Glendinning speaks to Hayden Paddon

Hayden Paddon joins us for this episode. He gives a rundown of his early years, starting in Karts, in Minis and Toyotas before switching to 4wd and Mitusbishi Evos all in his native New Zealand. Finally making the switch to the WRC as part of the Pirelli Star Driver. When he finally made the WRC the aim was to stay there. This took a huge effort from his whole team and their hard work finally paid off when Hayden was announced as a Hyundai driver for the 2014 season. winning Argentina in 2016 has to be the highlight of his years in the WRC to date. There are many twists and turns, but it is a fascinating story all told in a very candid way.