Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast

🎤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

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

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 - 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.