Latest news with #EoinTreacy
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Rally Estonia 'a real benchmark' for McErlean
Motorsport So far, as their maiden Rally1 journey continues within the top tier of the World Rally Championship, the Irish crew of Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy seem to perform better on gravel surface and this weekend's Delfi Rally Estonia, one of the fastest gravel rallies in the WRC, awaits as they continue what is still a learning experience. McErlean, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Wednesday has only one previous experience of Estonia - in 2023 when he drove a Hyundai i20 Rally2 to an eighth place category finish. 'Rally Estonia is a real benchmark for pace and commitment - fast roads, big jumps and no room for hesitation. It's an incredible feeling driving these roads and one I've been looking forward to ever since stepping into the Puma Rally1. Every kilometre is a chance to grow, and I'm keen to keep pushing, learning and showing what we can do.' Last time out, a succession of punctures, suspension damage and only front-wheel drive for a time, gave them a torrid time on the Acropolis Rally Greece. "That was one of the toughest tests we've faced, physically and mentally. But it showed us where we can improve and what we're capable of overcoming. Now it's about taking those learnings and applying them to a much faster rally like Estonia.' Outlining the plan, he concluded, 'The priority is to deliver a clean rally, we want to apply everything we learned from Greece, from car set-up to tyre management and adapting to conditions, to rebuild our momentum. Estonia is a place I enjoy, but mistakes here are costly, especially with how precise you need to be. Estonia has no room for errors on the stages'. With some 308 stage kilometres until Sunday, the Kilrea driver and his Killeagh co-driver will have plenty to keep them busy to attain their quest including Saturday's infamous Otepaa stage with its equally renowned jump and Sunday's all-new Power Stage - Kaariku. While championship leader, Elfyn Evans (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) doesn't have his team mate and nearest challenger Sebastien Ogier snapping at his heels on this occasion, the presence of former event winners Ott Tanak (Hyundai 120 N Rally1) and Kalle Rovanpera (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) will chase the Welshman hard. Tanak's victory on the Acropolis Rally Greece has put him right back in contention, closing the gap to Evans twelve points, victory in his local event (he won in 2020) would continue to ramp up his bid. Tomorrow (Saturday) Omagh's Cathan McCourt (Skoda Fabia Rally2), outgoing NI champion Caryduff's Jonny Greer (Toyota Yaris Rally2) and Muff's Joe McGonigle (Citroen C3 Rally2) headline the R Kings Down Rally that brings the curtain down on the Brown & Brown Northern Ireland Rally Championship. The eight-stage event is also a counter for the UK National Asphalt series where Jersey driver Sam Touzel (Ford Fiesta Rally2) could inherit top spot in the absence of series leader Jason Pritchard. Others in the top ten include newly crowned NI champion Donegal's Aaron McLaughlin (VW Polo GTi R5) and Kinallen's Stuart Biggerstaff (Ford Fiesta Rally2). The first stage starts at 9.30am. Meanwhile, having lost the lead of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship to the Moffett brothers (Josh and Sam) some two weeks ago on the Raven's Rock Rally, Kilkenny's Eddie Doherty (Skoda Fabia R5) has a quick opportunity for reparation on Sunday's Sligo Rally, the fifth round of the series. Power steering issues whilst holding a sizeable lead meant Doherty only gleamed a solitary point from the Waterford based event. As the top seed in what is a capacity entry Doherty will aim to cut the ten points deficit to the Moffett duo, who are joint leaders of the series. Sam will steer the newer model Hyundai as Josh stays faithful to the R5 variant. The other main championship contenders are Derry's Desi Henry (Ford Fiesta Rally2) and Declan Boyle (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2). Others in the top ten are Donegal's Michael Boyle (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) and Kevin Eves (Ford Fiesta Rally2), Armagh's Darren Gass (VW Polo GTi R5) and Maynooth's Paul Barrett (Citroen C3 Rally2). The first of the day's nine stages (Ladies Brae) is at 10.07am.
Belfast Telegraph
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Josh McErlean opens up on the challenges he will face in his second crack at the ‘Rally of the Gods'
McErlean's maiden Rally1 campaign with new team-mate Eoin Treacy continues in Greece at an event that is notorious for its rough and narrow mountain tracks that are not only hard on cars but crews, too, due to the twisting stages limiting natural airflow into the cockpit. This is only the 25-year-old's second career start at the 'Rally of the Gods', although the experience gained from having to open the road and create a clean line for those following behind him on the second and third days of Rally Italia Sardegna at the start of this month should prove useful in his quest to equal — or better — his best result of 2025 so far — an eighth-place finish at May's Rally de Portugal. The Kilrea man was handed the indignity of road sweeping duties on the Mediterranean island as punishment for bowing out with suspension damage on only the second speed test and rejoining on the Saturday under Super Rally rules after M-Sport Ford mechanics worked their magic to correct his Puma Rally1. 'Sardinia was unfortunate for us, but at the same time, we were able to gain so much valuable information for the future, and this season is all about building the full toolkit,' said McErlean, who knows solid results between now and the final round in Saudi Arabia will go some way to helping him retain his M-Sport seat with Motorsport Ireland's support. 'Greece is another rally where survival matters because the roads are so abrasive, the temperatures inside the car can hit 50C, and you have got long loops with no mid-day service. You have got to be smart — and even Sunday's final leg is longer than usual at 62 miles — so this is one of those rallies that keep throwing challenges right to the finish. 'After the disappointment in Sardinia, I want to deliver a solid result for the team. 'They have worked incredibly hard — they deserve something to show for it. Our aim is to manage the conditions and hopefully come away with a strong, trouble-free rally.' Acropolis Rally Greece begins with a traditional ceremonial start beneath the Parthenon on Thursday afternoon before crews set off to tackle a Spectator Special Stage at 4.05pm UK time. A further 16 special stages totalling over 200 competitive miles will follow. McErlean will share garage space with M-Sport Ford team-mate Gregoire Munster who is making his fourth Acropolis Rally start, event debutant and Rally Poland winner Martins Sesks, and gentleman driver Jourdan Serderidis for whom this is the eighth time contesting his home round of the FIA World Rally Championship.
BBC News
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
'No room for error' - McErlean prepares for Italy
Josh McErlean believes Rally Italia Sardegna will be "one of the toughest rallies" in his debut World Rally Championship M-Sport Ford driver will compete in Italy for the fist time in WRC1 machinery after a strong previous round in narrow and rocky gravel roads through the mountains, combined with the summer heat, make the rally in Sardinia one of the most gruelling on the WRC calendar."There's no room for error here – it's narrow, rough, and can catch you out at any second," said Motorsport Ireland driver McErlean."You have to learn to love this rally. You can't fight it or it will bite you back."It's a real test for both car and crew, and that's exactly what makes it so rewarding."After a late deal to graduate to the top tier of world rallying with M-Sport, the opening five rounds of the season have been a baptism of fire for the 25-year-old from Northern he had his best performance of the season in Portugal in May as he and co-driver Eoin Treacy finished in eighth place, ahead of more experienced team-mate Gregoire Munster and the highly-rated Martins Sesks. "We had a positive run in Portugal, and the goal is to carry that rhythm into this weekend," added McErlean."I feel we're progressing in the right direction. We're learning more about the Ford Puma on gravel with every kilometre, and this weekend will be another big step for us."The first of the 16 stages takes place on Friday and the event will finish in Olbia on Sunday.
Belfast Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Familiar surface and surroundings just what I need to hit back in Portugal, says Josh McErlean
McErlean makes his fifth start in a M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 this week alongside Eoin Treacy, keen to bounce back from last month's disappointment on Rally Islas Canarias. The pair were forced to retire on the last day after an incorrect pace note meant McErlean carried too much speed into a tightening right-hander, hit an Armco barrier and bent the rear suspension. Afterwards, Team Principal Richard Millener offered a robust defence of his new-for-2025 signing, saying the 25-year-old fully deserved his opportunity to compete at the top level. At one of his favourite events, and on his preferred surface, McErlean is keen to repay that unanimous vote of public confidence with a solid finish on his fifth visit to Rally de Portugal. 'It feels incredible to be heading back to Rally Portugal,' he said. 'This rally means a lot to me. We had an amazing result here last year, and I have been itching to return event since. 'This time, doing it in a Rally1 Puma just makes it even more exciting. It also marks the beginning of the gravel season — and there is nowhere better to kick it off than in Portugal.' In readiness for the 24 stages and 215 miles that lie in store, McErlean completed a pre-event test last week with the British squad on a series of roads similar to the sandy, clay-based surface that is renowned for becoming more rocky and rutted on the second pass. 'Whilst I have done a few events over the years in Portugal, they are all in stark contrast to travelling over the stages in a Rally1 Puma,' he said. 'Our expectations remain realistic. 'We are still learning with every kilometre, but it is safe to say I have been looking forward to this one. The fans, the atmosphere, the roads — everything about Portugal is just mega.' M-Sport Ford will run a third car in Portugal, with McErlean's regular driving mate Gregoire Munster being joined by Latvian prospect Martins Sesks for the second of his six outings this year.
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Irish WRC duo and their car are star guests at the MI Rally Academy J1000 Development Day at Mondello Park
THE recent Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy J1000 Development Day at Mondello Park was a huge success. There were 31 Junior 1000 competitors from the Motorsport Ireland Junior Rally Series and Forest Rally Championship taking part in the academy's latest development day with training workshops including driver, fitness, performance and equipment coaching. Advertisement And as an added bonus M-Sport's Ford Puma Rally1 was in attendance too, but not just as a centre piece to be enjoyed. Irish World Rally Championship duo Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy were also at Mondello offering passenger runs in this amazing machine. 4 WRC FUTURE STARS: WRC drivers Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy with MI Rally Academy founder John Coyne plus drivers from the FIA Rally pyramid and J1000 Credit: Darren Liggett I was invited along by Red Bull Ireland as both Josh and Eoin are athletes of the energy drink company, and I was one of the lucky punters who got to enjoy two very hot, but also very wet, laps around Mondello. Also on track was a Hyundai i20 Rally2, usually seen in action with MI Rally Academy founder and patron John Coyne at the wheel. Advertisement European Rally Championship contender Jon Armstrong did demonstration runs before academy members sampled Rally2 power on the slippery circuit. While the excitement of seeing McErlean power-slide his WRC car around Mondello's rain-soaked track unsurprisingly stole the show, there were a host of special guests and visitors present at the venue. The J1000 crews were joined by their friends and families as they rubbed shoulders with a host of media representatives, podcasters, influencers, Red Bull Ireland and national broadcaster RTE. As J1000 rallying in Ireland continues to go from strength to strength, with both entries and competitiveness increasing, the development day was another key step in recognising its importance to and close relationship with the MI Rally Academy. Advertisement Most read in Motors 4 LET LOOSE: M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 car going sideways in the wet around Mondello Credit: MI Rally Academy So as well as showcasing J1000 and the MI Rally Academy's WRC crew of McErlean and Treacy, another highlight was the first time the FIA's complete Rally Pyramid was on display in Ireland at the same time. Mondello was packed with Rally5 cars right up to the Rally1 Puma, and the teenage J1000 crews also got to bring their rally-specification hot-hatches to the event. The event was held a couple of days after the two-year anniversary of the passing of WRC driver Craig Breen, who was a great supporter of the MI Rally Academy. Advertisement So it was no surprise to see so many of the drivers all wearing 'Breenie' bobble hats in honour of their Irish rallying hero. With academy members competing in Rally4, Rally3, Rally2 and Rally1 championships this year, cars in attendance included Craig Rahill's front-running Junior European Rally Championship Peugeot 208 Rally4 as well as Coyne's Hyundai i20 Rally2. Coyne, who travelled over from his home in the USA for the special occasion, had been in action on the Moonraker Forest Rally four days earlier where he finished in 11th place. 4 DREAM TEAM: WRC driver Josh McErlean and his co-pilot Eoin Treacy pictured with Motorsport Ireland members Credit: MI Rally Academy Advertisement The 1982 Irish Tarmac Rally champion also finished fourth in the 1982 Circuit of Ireland Rally, one minute behind WRC legend Henri Toivonen, and ahead of Billy Coleman, Hannu Mikkola and Ari Vatanen. Coyne was also in action in the i20 Rally2 on the Circuit of Ireland over the weekend along with MI Rally Academy co-driver Killian McArdle. And after Friday and Saturday's asphalt stages were complete they brought their i20 home in 18th. Speaking afterwards, Coyne said: 'Happy with 18th overall, 10th RC2 on my first tarmac rally in six years. After a one-minute-20-second off on SS1 we dropped to 69th overall. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun 'It took some time to gain confidence, but I'm happy that my pace improved steadily with our best stage result being 11th-fastest on SS10.' See: 4 GENERATION GAME: WRC driver Josh McErlean with MI Rally Academy founder and patron John Coyne Credit: MI Rally Academy
