Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast

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

Review of Moonraker and Sierra Morena Rallies

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 19.

 

This week’s episode takes a look back at an action-packed Moonraker Forest Rally, where standout performances defined the weekend. We are joined by Andy Hayes (who claimed top honours alongside Josh Moffett) and 3rd placed co-driver Martin Brady (who sat with Mark Donnelly). In the two-wheel-drive battle, Jack Harris emerged victorious after a fiercely contested event and talks to us about his run on the Moonraker. We also shift our focus to the international stage, as we’re joined by William Creighton (7th overall) and Casey Jay Coleman (winner of the Fiesta Rally3 Trophy) fresh from their campaign at the opening round of the European Rally Championship, the Sierra Morena Rally. They share insights from their experience competing against top-level European talent, the challenges of adapting to new conditions, and what this means for their season ahead.

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

Moonraker talk with Andy Hayes & Martin Brady 00:03:00

More Moonraker Chat with Jack Harris 00:33:48

ERC Sierra Morena chat with William Creighton & Casey Jay Coleman 00:47:00

End 01:13:04

Krunching Gears - Lets talk rallying with Aaron Johnston

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season Episode 18.

 

Fresh off an extraordinary double victory on two of the toughest rounds in the World Rally Championship, Aaron Johnston returns home to celebrate in style. In this special live episode, recorded in Omagh, we capture an unforgettable evening with Aaron alongside his family, friends, supporters, and sponsors as they reflect on back-to-back triumphs at the legendary Safari Rally and the demanding Croatian Rally. From Kenya’s unforgiving terrain to the tricky Croatian asphalt stages, Aaron shares insights into what it took to conquer both events. A sincere thank you to Ian Johnston and family, Matthew Alexander (Traction Media), Michael Devlin (the Adrian Newey of sound), and Darren Boot Music for their invaluable support in making this recording possible.

Rally Croatia & Severn Valley Rally Reviews. Moonraker Rally Preview.

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 17.

 

Guests this week bring a packed rally roundup and preview. We kick things off with Conor Edwards as we dive into Rally Croatia, breaking down the key moments, standout performances, and what it all means for the championship battle. From high-speed asphalt to dramatic stages, there’s plenty to unpack. Next, we shift focus to the opening round of the British Rally Championship, the Severn Valley Rally, where Damien Tourish & Kevin Duggan, and Ben McFall join us to share insights, stories from the stages, and their experiences tackling one of the most challenging events on the calendar. Finally, we look ahead to the Moonraker Rally with Gavin Walsh, previewing what to expect, whether you're following every stage or just catching up, this episode has everything you need to stay in the loop.

 

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

Croatia chat from Conor Edwards 00:01:10

Severn Valley Rally - Damien Tourish, Kevin Duggan & Ben McFall 00:16:45

Moonraker Preview with COC Gavin Walsh 00:43:10

End 00:58:20

Circuit of Ireland Review & Monaghan Stages Preview.

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season Episode 16.  

 

We’re fresh off the stages of the Circuit of Ireland with a full breakdown of all the action.

We’re joined by overall winners David Kelly & Shane Buckley as they talk us through their performance, the key moments of the rally, and what it took to come out on top in their stunning Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2. We also catch up with Barry Morris and Dylan Doonan, who claimed victory in the 2WD category in the awesome Darrian T90 GTR+, to hear about their impressive run and the challenges they faced along the way.

Looking ahead, we turn our attention to the upcoming Monaghan Stages Rally. Local radio star Sean McCaffrey joins us to share his insights, expectations, and what fans should be watching for as the rally rolls into town this weekend.

Plenty of stories, analysis, and rally chat as always—so buckle up and enjoy the ride.

🎧 Don’t forget to follow and share Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast.

 

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

David Kelly & Shane Buckley 00:02:20

Barry Morris & Dylan Doonan 00:15:55

Sean McCaffrey, Monaghan Rally chat 00:31:50

End 00:54:41

Young Guns prepare for the ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2026 Season Episode 15

 

In this episode, we sit down with Craig Rahill, Casey Jay Coleman, Cian Caldwell, and Kalum Graffin to discuss their upcoming campaign in the European Rally Championship Rally3 Trophy, a five-round, M-Sport Poland–run competition kicking off at Rally Sierra Morena in mid-April. Craig and Casey Jay return for their second season in the championship, bringing valuable experience and insight, while Cian and Kalum prepare to take on the challenge for the very first time. The crews share their expectations, preparations, and what it means to compete across some of Europe’s most iconic and demanding rally stages. From the gravel of Sweden to the asphalt of Spain and Italy, and on to Poland and the Czech Republic, the 2026 Fiesta Rally3 Trophy promises a true test of skill, adaptability, and endurance. With a Ford Fiesta Rally2 prize drive at JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion awaiting the overall winner, the stakes are high. Tune in for an inside look at the drivers, the competition, and the road ahead.

Review of North Wales & Birr Rallies, plus preview of Circuit of Ireland.

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2026 Season, episode 14.

This week’s episode features a conversation with North Wales Rally Historic winners Marty McCormack and Barney Mitchell, who reflect on their performance and what it took to secure the victory in their stunning Mats van den Brand-prepared BMW M3.

We also catch up with Shane Quinn following his impressive second-place finish in his Rally 2 Fiesta at the Birr Rally, discussing key moments from his event.

Two-wheel drive category winner Aaron McIntyre joins us as well, offering insight into his winning drive in his 2.5 Starlet.

Looking ahead, we preview the upcoming McKinney Competitions Circuit of Ireland in the company of Graeme Stewart, in what promises to be some enthralling battles for the weekend.

 

Chapters Start 00:00:00 Marty McCormack & Barney Mitchell 00:03:15 Shane Quinn 00:36:23 Aaron McIntyre 00:54:25 UAC with Graeme Stewart 01:06:26 End 01:19:48

East African Safari Classic Rally Review

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, Episode 14. East African Safari Classic Rally.

In this episode, we talk with Keith McIvor and David Burns following their sensational 5th overall finish at the 2025 East African Safari Classic Rally. They take us behind the wheel of one of the toughest endurance events in motorsport, sharing the highs, challenges, and defining moments of their campaign.

The journey goes far beyond competition—having raised over £30,000 to fund a clean water borehole in a Kenyan village, their story is one of real impact.

We are also joined by Clerk of the Course Andy Gilmore, who offers a fascinating look at what it takes to organise and deliver such a monumental rally as he delves into the work that is done by an incredibly small team.

Reviews of West Cork & Safari Rally Kenya, with Andy Hayes & Allan Harryman.

Welcome to Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast.

In episode 13 of our 2026 season, we bring you the latest and most compelling stories from the rally world.

First, we interview Andy Hayes, the winning co-driver from the West Cork Rally, who shares how he and Josh Moffett achieved their victory. This was the first win for the Toyota Yaris GR Rally 2 on a round of the ITRC.

We also hear from Allan Harryman, who reflects on his WRC Rally3 success at the Safari Rally as he co-drove for George Vasilakis in the M-Sport Poland Rally 3 Fiesta. He and George won in the Rally3 category and the WRC Masters on an event that means so much to the Harryman family.

Covering events from Irish stages to the challenges of African terrain, this episode offers insight and perspective from both competitors.

 

Chapters 

Start - 00:00:00

Andy Hayes - 00:05:30

Allan Harryman - 00:29:30

End - 00:52:35

West Cork Rally Review

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 12.  

 

This week’s episode looks back at the 2026 West Cork Rally with John Dalton and Eurig Davies, the top two-wheel-drive crew in their Darrian, who reflect on their victory and explain why competing in such an iconic car means so much to them.

 

Frank Kelly joins us to recount how disrupted travel plans turned into an unforgettable West Cork adventure.

 

We also hear from Sam Touzel and Max Freeman, who share their experience of competing in Ireland this season and their impressions of the West Cork stages.

 

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

John Dalton & Eurig Davies 00:03:10

Frank Kelly 00:29:45

Sam Touzel & Max Freeman 00:55:15

End 01:27:03