Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast

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 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 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

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.

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.

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

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 10. In this episode, we’re joined by Jon Desborough, the original "voice of rally". Jon is a prominent sports journalist, veteran WRC commentator and author. Jon has spent years immersed in the highs, heartbreaks, and characters that define rallying. In this episode, he shares insights into his time commentating on the WRC for Channel 4 and ITV, as well as what led him to transition into writing rally fiction novels during the COVID lockdown. From behind-the-scenes stories to reflections on rallying’s greatest eras and personalities, this episode offers a fascinating look at the sport through the eyes of someone who has dedicated his career to telling its story

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

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

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

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.

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.

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 52. A special episode this week as M-Sport confirms its driver line-up for the 2026 World Rally Championship. Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy return to the team following a breakthrough season, underlining M-Sport’s confidence in one of the championship’s most promising partnerships. We also look ahead to an exciting new chapter as Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne step up to contest all 14 rounds of the WRC with the M-Sport squad. We chat with Rich Milliner, John Coyne, Josh McErlean, Eoin Treacy, Jon Armstrong and Shange Byrne to explore the implications for M-Sport, the drivers, and the future of Irish talent on rallying’s biggest platform. We are also joined by Motorsport Ireland President Aiden Harper to look back on the 2025 season for Motorsport Ireland and touch on the future of rallying in Ireland.