Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast

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. 

Krunching Gears - Kevin Glendinning speaks to Ronan Morgan

Ronan Morgan is the guest in this episode. He tells us about starting in navigational events before quickly rising through the ranks to become one of Ireland's most successful co-drivers. Then in the mid-80s, he moved to the Middle East, where he formed a lasting partnership with Mohammed Ben Sulayem which lead to great success for them both.  When he stepped away from co-driving in the early 2000s he started organising events. The Punchestown Festivals and Rally Ireland are just two of the events he helped create in Ireland. Back in the Middle East, he has been instrumental in the Abu Dhabi GP, he has been the COC since its inception in 2009. This and many more stories! 

Krunching Gears - Kevin Glendinning speaks to Jon Armstrong, William Creighton & Josh McErlean

Special bonus episode celebrating the fantastic results that three of our bright young stars achieved last weekend. Jon Armstrong won the first round of the 2021 JWRC at the Croatian round of the WRC, William Creighton took a strong fifth place in the same category on his first attempt and Josh McErlean took a dominant R5 win and third overall on the Olympus Rally in America. 

Krunching Gears - Kevin Glendinning speaks to Callum Devine and Josh McErlean

In this episode two of Ireland’s finest young talents, Callum Devine and Josh McErlean look back at their careers to date. Reliving many successes in both their short careers. They also look forward to the Olympus Rally in America and the year ahead.

Krunching Gears - Kevin Glendinning speaks to Jon Armstrong & William Creighton

Jon Armstrong & William Creighton talk about their careers to date and look forward to the upcoming JWRC. Listen to Jon talk about the highs and lows of his career so far. William gives us an insight into his exploits thus far and the two boys have their eye firmly on the prize ahead of their season in the FIA Junior WRC.

Krunching Gears - Kevin Glendinning speaks to Ken Rees

In this episode of Krunching Gears, Ken Rees joins us for a look over his Motorsport career. Winning the 1987 British National Rally Championship with David Gillanders. Getting a phone call from Prodrive in the early ’90s, which lead to almost 20 years working with the company as team coordinator. Amongst his jobs was doing gravel crew for Colin McRae and helping Ari Vatanen on the Hong Kong to Beijing Rally. Then joining Petter Solberg as they set up their own WRC team when Subaru pulled the plug on their WRC campaign. These are just some of the highlights from an absolutely fascinating story!