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. Episode One

The 2026 season kicks off with a celebration of European Historic rallying. In episode one, we turn the spotlight on the FIA European Historic Rally Championship alongside father and son Ernie and Will Graham, Fintan McGrady, Barney Mitchell, Tim Metcalfe, Dean Beckett, and Alan Bolton. Our guests share their experiences of competing on some of Europe’s most iconic historic rallies, reliving unforgettable events, cars, and the adventures that come with them. Beyond the machinery, the conversation captures the spirit of a different era of rallying — one defined by camaraderie, shared stories, and a service area where competitors socialised long after the stages were finished.

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 53.

Craig Rahill and Conor Smith talk to us about their exciting announcement to step up to the Junior World Rally Championship for the 2026 season in a Fiesta Rally3. Craig & Conor’s rookie season in this year’s Junior European Rally Championship saw them finished third overall, voted FIA ERC Rookie of the Year, and also secure the first international win for the Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF.

Also on this episode, we are joined by the renowned motorsport journalist Tom Howard to review the 2025 World Rally Championship. Tom is best known for his coverage of the WRC for Autosport magazine and Motorsport.com.

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.

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 51.

Part two of ‘In conversation with Gerry McGarrity’.

We continue our deep dive into the career of one of Irish rallying’s most influential figures. In this episode, Gerry reflects on his work with emerging talent and the pivotal role he played in the development of drivers, including Kris Meeke, Garry Jennings, Gareth McHale, Alastair Fisher, and Sam & Josh Moffett. He also discusses his involvement in the Northern Ireland Sprint Championship and the special place that competition plays in Gerry’s life. Recorded in front of a live audience, this conversation offers unique insight into Gerry’s contribution to Irish motorsport beyond the driver’s seat. With thanks to everyone who helped make this special evening with Gerry McGarrity possible.

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 50.

In conversation with Gerry McGarrity, part one.

Gerry is known for his dedication, skill, and tenacity. Based in Fermanagh, he has spent decades earning respect as a rally driver, a motorsport preparation expert, and a mentor for young talent. Among the many drivers he guided, none felt his influence more strongly than Mark Fisher. Gerry played a quiet but significant role in shaping Mark’s early approach to the sport—helping to refine his technique, build his confidence, and instil the discipline that would eventually carry him onto the international stage. He has tutored young drivers all the way up to competing in the World Rally Championship, and Mark’s rise remains one of the clearest examples of Gerry’s ability to spot potential and nurture it with care. Whether he’s competing or working behind the scenes, Gerry truly represents the spirit of grassroots rallying.

Kruncing Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 49.

Winners of the Killarney Historic Rally, Donagh Kelly & Rory Kennedy, join us to talk about their win in the BMW M3 – a poignant victory for Rory, who won the Killarney Rally of the Lakes 35 years ago alongside Bertie Fisher in a similar BMW M3.

Modified winners in Killarney, Colin O’Donoghue & Kieran O’Donoghue chat about their MKII adventures at the event.

Joining us to relive the recent Roger Albert Clarke Rally (RAC) is second-place finisher Paul Barrett, and sharing their RAC experiences in a classic Morris Mini are Colin McDowell & Geraldine McBride.

Chapters Start 00:00:00

Donagh Kelly & Rory Kennedy 00:05:08

Colin & Kieran O'Donoghue 00:30:55

Paul Barrett 00:51:20

Colin McDowell & Geraldine McBride 01:05:30

End 01:37:46

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 48.

We look back at the recent Roger Albert Clark (RAC) Rally with Gordon Noble, who finished 2nd overall.

Marty McCormack, Barney Mitchell, and Mats van den Brand chat about their tilt at the 2025 RAC crown in the Mats Performance-built BMW M3.

Allen Treacy, Mark McCaffrey, Richard Hogg and Mark Hanna join us to chat about their exploits over the five-day RAC adventure.

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

Gordon Noble 00:02:34

Marty McCormack, Barney Mitchell & Mads van den Brand 00:26:30

Richard Hogg, Mark Hanna, Allen Tracey & Mark McCaffrey 01:00:40

End 01:53:00

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 47.

We catch up with Jordan Hone and his co-driving father, Paul, to talk about winning the Brown & Brown NI Forest Rally Challenge.

Shane McGirr & Denver Rafferty tell us about their Fivemiletown Rally exploits and taking the 2-wheel drive win at the event.

We look forward to the Killarney Historic Rally, featuring two stalwarts of rallying in the Kingdom, Sean Moriarty and Rory Kennedy.

Chapters Start 00:00:00

Jordan & Paul Hone 00:05:40

Shane McGirr & Denver Rafferty 00:22:50

Rory Kennedy & Sean Moriarty 00:45:00

End 01:22:13