Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast

M-Sport's season to date we talk with team principal Rich Millener plus Jon Armstrong & Shane Byrne

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 8.

In this episode, we’re joined by Rich Millener, Team Principal of the M-Sport Ford, to discuss the team’s start to the 2026 World Rally Championship season and the challenges and opportunities that have emerged in the opening rounds. We’re also chat to Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne to reflect on their transition into Rally1 machinery and how they are settling into life at the top level with two rounds of the championship now complete.

Chapters 

Start 00:00:00

Rich Millener 00:02:15

Jon Armstrong & Shane Byrne 00:37:50

End 01:13:56

We chat with Will Creighton & Liam Regan as they announce their 2026 ERC bid.

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 7.  

 

In this episode, we sit down with William Creighton and Liam Regan to discuss their major announcement for 2026. Backed by the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, Creighton will step up to contest a full campaign in the European Rally Championship with Tagai Racing Technology, representing Stellantis Motorsport across the seven-round series.  The reigning British Rally Championship winner reflects on the significance of his first full ERC programme, as the long-standing partnership with Regan enters its 13th season. The pair will begin their campaign on the first round of the ERC in Spain, competing in a Citroën C3 Rally2 before transitioning later in the year to the all-new Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale.

Previews of Fivemiletown & Mayo Stages Rallies

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 6.

In this episode, we look ahead to the Fivemiletown Spring Stages Rally, organised by Omagh Motor Club and forming a round of the NI Gravel Rally Challenge. We’re joined by Clerk of the Course Ronnie McAleer and Deputy Clerk of the Course Lewis Boyd to discuss the event preparations, the stages and what competitors can expect.

We also preview the Mayo Stages Rally, the opening round of the National Rally Championship, with insights from Clerk of the Course Stephen McGing, Event Secretary Ruthann O’Connor and PRO Andy Walsh as they outline plans for the season curtain-raiser.

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

Ronnie McAleer & Lewis Boyd from Omagh Motor Club 00:02:10

Stephen McGing, Ruthann O'Connor & Andy Walsh 00:21:40

End 00:54:00

Yeats Ridge Forestry review plus a preview of the Dacia Sandero Challenge Cup

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 5.

We look back at the opening round of the Irish Forestry Championship, the Yeats Ridge Forestry Rally, with winning co-driver Martin Brady, 2nd placed Keelan Grogan (competing for the first time on gravel in a Rally2 Fiesta), and 3rd placed Jordan Hone, who debuted his Skoda Fabia RS Rally2.

We are joined by Declan O’Keeffe, Carrie Ryan, Lauren Doherty, Evan Stapleton and Eddie Byrne to reflect on the recent Dacia Sandero Challenge Cup open day at Mondello Park and to discuss how you can get involved as we look forward to the 2026 championship getting underway on the Mayo Stages Rally.

Chapters

Start 00:00:00 Yeats Ridge review with Martin, Keelan & Jordan 00:03:00

Dacia Sandero Challenge chat with Carrie, Lauren, Evan, Eddie & Declan 00:35:45

End 01:16:04

Galway Rally review-Callum Devine, plus Tom Murphy & Killian McArdle. Also WRC Monte with Mike Chen

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 4.

In this episode, we look back at the dramatic Corrib Oil Galway Rally with overall winner Callum Devine, who shares his thoughts on the season opener. Galway has definitely set a high bar for the first round of the NAPA Irish Rally Tarmac Championship.

We are also joined by second-placed co-driver Tom Murphy and winning two-wheel-drive co-driver Killian McArdle, as they reflect on their rallies and key moments from the event.

We also chat to RallyTV commentator Mike Chen, who gives his expert analysis of the opening round of the World Rally Championship in Monte Carlo and the stories that shaped the season opener.

 

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

Callum Devine 00:04:25

Tom Murphy & Killian McArdle 00:18:40

Mike Chen 00:44:05

End 01:18:20

Gazelles Off-Road Rally Team. Helen & Marcella relive their Dakar adventures.

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 3.

Helen Tait Wright and Marcella Kirk talk to us about their recent exploits on the 2026 Dakar Rally, taking on more than 8,000 kilometres of punishing terrain, extreme temperatures, and relentless navigation challenges, against a field dominated by seasoned international teams, they secured an impressive finish in their class in their specially modified 1988 Land Rover Defender 110, affectionately known as “Purdey.”

Helen and Marcella wanted to thank: Chris Stodel, Felix Prendergast, Jonathan Lane, family & friends who have lived the adventure from Day 1 and the staff at Marcella’s business who kept things running while they were away.

Their sponsors include: Eurospare parts, Allisport Ltd, Exol Lubricants, Teng Tools, Giti Tire, Santana Trophy, World Storytelling Café, RJ Auto Electrical, 4 x Proyect, Flarespace, Mahker, Red Canoe Brands, Exmoor Trim, Deja Vu Bar and Tapas, Solihull Sisterhood, Safety Devices, Empire Tuning, Demand Engineering, Arrow Precision Engineering, Marsland Chassis, Blue Lizard Signs, Stauff UK, Coburn Fasteners, TM Pearson, GTF Automotive.

2026 WRC Preview we talk to Hayden Paddon, Luke Barry & Jamie Millan on the eve of Monte Carlo Rally

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Season 2026, Episode 2.

In this episode, we look ahead to an exciting 2026 WRC season with Hyundai driver Hayden Paddon as he makes his return to the World Rally Championship after an eight year absence.

We also hear from award winning motorsport journalist Luke Barry then we speak to Hyundai Chief Engineer Jamie McMillan, each offering their unique insights as the season kicks off with the iconic Monte Carlo Rally.

European Historic Rally Championship 2025 Season Review

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Episode One

 

The 2026 season kicks off with a celebration of European Historic rallying. In episode one, we turn the spotlight on the FIA European Historic Rally Championship alongside father and son Ernie and Will Graham, Fintan McGrady, Barney Mitchell, Tim Metcalfe, Dean Beckett, and Alan Bolton. Our guests share their experiences of competing on some of Europe’s most iconic historic rallies, reliving unforgettable events, cars, and the adventures that come with them. Beyond the machinery, the conversation captures the spirit of a different era of rallying — one defined by camaraderie, shared stories, and a service area where competitors socialised long after the stages were finished.

We get a more in-depth talk with the 2026 M-Sport Crews. Wishing all a Very Happy New Year 🎉🎉

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 54.

We sit down with Josh McErlean, Eoin Treacy, Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne following their confirmation as part of the M-Sport World Rally Team’s 2026 WRC line-up. The lads share their initial reactions, discuss what the opportunity means for their careers, and outline the preparation and expectations as they look ahead to the challenges of the 2026 World Rally Championship.

As we close out the year, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our guests who have been so generous with their time and insights on the podcast.

We are equally grateful to our listeners and viewers for joining us each week and for the continued support and encouragement. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Special guest appearance by Ollie Glendinning on the tin whistle.

Craig Rahill & Conor Smith reveal their JWRC 2026 plans. Plus Tom Howard reviews the WRC 2025.

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 53.

Craig Rahill and Conor Smith talk to us about their exciting announcement to step up to the Junior World Rally Championship for the 2026 season in a Fiesta Rally3. Craig & Conor’s rookie season in this year’s Junior European Rally Championship saw them finished third overall, voted FIA ERC Rookie of the Year, and also secure the first international win for the Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF.

Also on this episode, we are joined by the renowned motorsport journalist Tom Howard to review the 2025 World Rally Championship. Tom is best known for his coverage of the WRC for Autosport magazine and Motorsport.com.